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OUR 



SOLDIERS AND SAILOES : 

WHAT THEY SAID AND DID 

ON THE 

TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE 
OF ANTIETAM, 

AT 

I^ITTSBUHG, i>E]srisri^.5 

SEPTEMBEE 17th AOT) 18th, 1873. 



By SAMUEL W. pUEEIDEN, 

OFFICIAJL STENO&KAPHEK. 



NEW YOEK: 

PUBLISHED BY VETERxVNS' NATIONAL COMMITTEB. 

1872. 



V'5-f 



THE VETERANS' NATIONAL CONVENTION. 



THE PRELIMINAEY ORGANIZATION. 

An informal meetiug of soldiers aud sailors who Avere present iii Philadel- 
phia, Pa., in attendance upon the Eepublican National Convention, convened 
at Assembly Hall, in that city, on the evening of June 5th, and organized with 
General Ambrose E. Bumside, of Rhode Island, as chainuan, and General 
Darnel Woodall, of Delaware, as secretary. On motion of Col. L. E. Dudley, 
it was resolved tliat a committee of one liom each State be appointed by tlie 
chair, and that said committee be instructed to issue a caU for a National Mass 
Convention of Soldiers and Sailors. 

At a meeting held on the following morning the committee was announced, 
aud requested to meet, the same evening, at the Continental Hotel. At tlic 
meeting of the committee Gen. A. E. Bm-nside was added as a member at large, 
and elected its chairman, and Col. L. E. Dudley was elected secretary. The 
officers of the committee were then authorized to prepare and issue the call, 
which they did on the 5th of July, in the foUowiag words : — 

THE CALL. 

Headquaeters Veterans' National Committee, 
FiFTU Avenue Hotel, 

New York City, July 5, 1872. 
To the Soldiers and Sailors who served in the Union Army and Navy during the late War: 

Comrades — The undersigned, a committee appointed for the purpose by a meeting of 
veterans from all sections of the country, who were assembled in Philadelphia upon the 5th 
day of June, in attendance upon the Eepublican National Convention, and which meeting 
unanimously resolved to abide by and sujjport the nominations of said convention, hereby 
invite you to meet in mass convention at Pittsburg, Pa., on the 17th day of September, 1872,^ 
for the purpose of expressing oui" unreserved belief that the destinies of tills country, for the 
ensuing four years, should be under the protection of men who never faltered in the houf of 
our country's greatest danger. We believe that men should be placed in high positions of 
State, who, in the hour of our greatest peril, gave that intellect, personal reputation, and 
personal faith in the justness of our cause, which was necessary to save the country and 
place us in the position we now occupy. 

We congratulate ourselves upon the fact that the government, duiing the past three aijd 
one-halt yeai'S, has been administered by one of our comrades, who has shown wonderful 
Mjivil capacity in aiding the reduction of the public debt, in conducting our foreign affairs 
with great skill, so that we now stand at peace with the whole world, and in preserving 
peace in sections of our country where sentiments were entertained calculated to disturb the 
reorganization of the States lately in rebellion. We have full faith in him as a peaceful 
man, because, had he felt disposed to exercise his power as a personal governor, he would 
have done it while nearly a million of men were in arms and under his command, instead of 



aiilin"', a? he did, the rapid i-eduction of the army to a peace footing. We believe him to be 
honest, capable, and courageous. 

We believe that it will be a source of pleasure to all who battled for the Union, to meet 
once more and revive the memories of our old campaigns. 

We believe that an expression of the feelings and opinions of those who defended the 
nation on land and sea would, at this time, be most opportune. 

We believe that such an expression would be regarded by all right-thinking men as one 
proper to be made; and that it would be productive of the. most beneficial results. 

We believe that our comrades universally desire that such measures shall prevail as wilj 
secure the greatest possible happiness and prosperity of the whole people. 

We believe that our country's old defenders are actuated by no partisan or factious mo- 
tives, but are in favor of good government, purity of public men and measures, and the ele- 
vation and purification of our institutions. 

We believe that while all the old veterans are loyalists in the extreme, and utterly op- 
posed to any doctrine which would tend, in the slightest degree, to revive the heresy ot 
S'icession, they are desirous of extending charity and full forgiveness to all of their former 
enemies in the field Avho now recognize or who may hereafter recognize the great wrong that 
they have done to our country. 

Believing, as we do, that great good will result from the meeting proposed, we most 
cordially and earnestly invite all our former comrades to meet with us at Pittsburg, on the 
tenth anniversary of the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1872. 

Let us come together again, as we did in 1861, sinking all partisan differences, take our 
stand now, as then, for our country, and, before and beyond all else, labor for her honor and 
o-lory. Fraternally yours, 

General A. E. BURNSIDE, Chairman. 

L. E. Dudley, Secretary. 

Gen. Powell Clayton, Gen. J. T. Averill, Capt. B.vrrour Lewis, 

" George E. Srencer, Mai. 0. C. French, Gen. W. G. Veasey, 

Col. J.oiEs CoEY, B. B. Cahoon, Capt. W. H. H. Stowelt, 

Gen. R. J. Ogelsby, Gen. A. M. Dexnison, Col. Jasies H. Plait, 

" Sol. D. Meredith, " A. F. Stevens, Gen. Lucius Fairchild, 

'•' Gr4kville M. Dodge, " William Ward, Col. James Lewis, 

Lieut. Col. R. J. Hinton, " S. L. Woodford, Gen. Joseph C. Abbott, 

Gen. John M. Harlan, " F. C. Barlow, " E. F. Noyes, 

'• Jas. D. Fessenden, " Daniel Woodall, " James S. Negley, 

" Selden Conner, " Chas. M. Hamilton, " Edward McCook, 

" Horace B. Sargeant. " Louis C. Wagner, " N. P. Chipman, 

" J. H. DuvALL, " C. H. T. Collis, Maj. Joseph W. Houston, 

" E. W. Hixks. " A. L. PiERSON, Gen. B. F. Potts, 

" Joseph R. Hawley, Capt. A. W. Norris, Col. William Breeden, 

" Jaz. H. Van Aij^n, Gen. Charles R. Brayton, Gen. Geo. A. Max\vell, 
" F. W. Swift, " James Davidson, " J. W. Fisher. 

All soldiers and sailors who approve the objects of this call, are requested to com- 
municate with the conuuittee, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City, 
t Iiniiiedintcly after proniulj?atiiiJi: the call, the committee prepared blanks 
and (listributcHi them tluoughout the country, with a view of secmiiio- an ex- 
pression of the veterans npon the views set forth in the call, and receivi-d tlio 
signatiu-ca of fully fifty thousand soldiers and sailors, in approval of the ol)j(}cta 
of the Convention. 

While the committee believed that the Convention itself would be of great 
service in the canipaign, it decided that, if thorough organization of the veter- 
ans of the country could be secured, that much ctlective work could l)e done 



and that the results of the Convention would be felt in eveiy State; therefore 
the following circular letter was sent to prominent veterans in each State, and 
in most has resulted in the formation of veterans' clubs, to act iu harmony with 
and aid the regular Eepublican organizations. 

letter inviting organization. 

Headquarters Veterans' National Committee, 
Fifth Avenue Hotel, 

New York City, July 30, 1872, 

Dear Slr—1 take great pleasure in informing you that the call of this committee for a 
National Convention of Veterans at Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 17th, has met with a most hearty 
response from individual veterans of all ranks from every State. No doubt now exists that 
our reunion will eclipse all tormer ones in point of numbers, enthusiasm, and importance. 
We feel confident that not less than twenty-five thousand veterans will be iu attendance. 
Many clubs and associations will attend en masse. 

It is believed that this meeting, if preceded and followed by thorough organization of 
the old soldiers in every town and city throughout the Union, wouid be one of the most 
potential agencies that could be brought to bear in this campaign. It would arouse, among 
all classes of citizens, tlie old feeling of patriotism and devotioij to the country which was its 
salvation in the time of war. 

We desire to institute such organizations at once in every State, and desire to enlist your 
active co-operation. Will you endeavor to organize the veterans of your State, or induce 
some one, or more, in whom you have confidence, to immediately inaugurate such a move- 
ment? If you could correspond with prominent veterans in every county, and suggest to 
them the propriety of organizing a " Grant and Wilson Veterans' Association " in every 
town in their respective counties, each of these clubs could send as large a delegation as 
■possible to Pittsburg, and thereby swell the gathering and increase the enthusiasm there, and, 
returning from thence, they would permeate the whole country with the old feeling of patri- 
otism and devoted loyalty. ■■ 

This committee cordially invite correspondence from all local organizations, and will take 
pleasure in affording all infonnation in their power. 

Please reply at your earliest convenience, that we may know what to expect from your 
State. 

Very truly vours, 

A. E. BURNSIDE, 

L. E. Dudley, Secretary. Chairman. 

LETTERS RECEIVED. 

In response to the call several thousand letters were received from all sec- 
tions of the country. To give all these letters in fidl woidd take nuich more 
space than can be afforded in these images ; but we have selected a few of the 
more important, with extracts from many others. 

FROM general O. O. HOWARD. 

Astok House, New York City, July 15, 1872. 

Gen. a. E. Burnside, Chairman Veterans^ National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, New 

York Citj : 

Dear General — Your circular, accompanied by the kind invitation of your secretary to 
be pi esent on the anniversary of the battle of Antietam, and take part in the exercises at Pitts- 
burg, 17th of September next, is just received. I have carefully read your call, and am will- 
ing to adopt lis sentiments as my own. I am, perhaps, for a very warm recognitio7i of those 
who have been our enemies, when they step upon our platform, and would most heartily 
say, " Let us be brethren." /I believe it is better, more for the durability of our Government, 
and certainly safer to our public credit, that no radical change of administration should now 
take place. I am very much interested in the Indian tribes that are now rapidly coming into 
the light of our civilization. I should dislike exceedingly to have the erreat body of religious 
and benevolent societies suddenly deprived of the privilege of no'.;.inating agencies, which 
has begun to work so grandly in the line of reform ; and for a thousand othei- reasons, be- 
fiides my personal feelines of sincere regard for him who has led us to victory and to safety, 



my words and my acts will be in behalf of the present incumbent of the presidential chair. 
I am an anuy officer, witliout partisan feeling, ready to do my duty under any leader my 
countrymen shall select ; but, God knows that I do love a man like Cien. Grant, who does per- 
severe in words and in acts in the practical recognition of human rights to all classes of our 
fellow-men. I fear that I will not be able to join you at Pittsburg, as my duties are likely to 
keep me on the frontier. 

Sincere! V yours, 

O. O. HOWAKD. 

FROM GENERAL B. 8. ROBERTS. 

New Haven, July 11, 1872. 
L. E. Dudley, Secretary : 

Dear ,S'ir— Your circular and note came to me this morning, although dated Hth instant. 
Instead of putting forth any opinion I may have of Gen. Grant, as it could not possibly have 
influence with parties, partisans, or politicians, I send you an autograph letter of the late 
Major Gen. George H. Thomas, that goes directly to the great issues of the day, and is an 
expression of the judgment of the soundest and most solid" soldier of the Union Army, who 
knew Gen. Grant intimately and thoroughly. 

Were Gen. Thomas living, I do not doubt — modest and silent as he was by nature, and 
by^ education and habit averse to notoiiety and meaningless public applause - that his pen and 
voice would have sustained Grant now, as his sword and loyal natuie sustained him when he 
smote Hood "hip and thigh" at Nashville, and destroyed 'the last hope of the rebellion. I 
consider the meeting of the veterans at Pittsburg as the flank movement of the campaign, 
that, more than any other single evolution, is to decide the election. It is my purpose to 
attend in person, and to use my influence in gathering others fi-om New Engia"nd at Pitts- 
burg. When the old veterans sound tlielr '= assembly " it is a ten ible '' bugle-blast " ior the 
enemy, and certainly none know so well as they where the enemy's magazines are, and how 
to drop bombs and shells to explode them. 

Very truly yours, 

B. S. EGBERTS, 
Brigadier-General United States Army (retired). 

WHAT general GEORGE H. THOMAS THOUGHT. 

The following is the letter from Gen. Thomas, referred to above : — 

Sajs Francisco, Cal., Dec. 8, 1869. 
Gen. B. S. Roberts : 

Dear General — I have had your letter of the 22d of November in my possession some 
days, but have not had leisure to T'eply until to-day. Many persons have* of late spoken to 
me of the probabilities of the next four years. I have invariably declined all propositions 
affecting myself, and I now again do so to you. I do not approve" of the railroad speed with 
which the peoi)le of the United States do things. We have no stability, but are constantly 
not only on the go, but rush matters to the verge of confusion, if not of ruin. I sometimes 
think we, as a people, are specially guarded by an all-wise Providence, else our recklessness 
would have long since involved the nation in hopeless confusion. No sooner are public 
aSairs rescued from discord, and the offices filled with men who to all appearances are the 
undoubted choice of the people, than new combinations are formed to destroy the incumbents — 
if not in character, at least in usefulness— and set up a new set almost unknown, and certainly 
of doubtful experience. I would not like to see any alteration in the executive for the next 
eight years, uidess the pi-esent incumbent should prove incapacitated for his position before 
the expiration of his first term. I thlidv he has connnenced very fair, and I sincerely hope 
he may succeed to such a degree as to compel his re-election for"anothei' term. 

I am verv truly yours, 

GEORGE H. THOMAS. 

FROM GOV. NOTES. 

Columbus, Ohio, July IG, 1872. • 

Gen. a. E. Burnpide, Chairman Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, Neio 

York City : 

General— I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your favor cf the 8th instant. I 
shall take great satisfaction in co-operating with your comniittee to the end that the Pittsburg 



Convention. Sept. 17th, may be a succeps. I shall send circulars all over the State in ii few 
days, and will soon forward to you the names and addresses of prominent soldiers and sailors, 
in order that you may communicate with them from headquarters directly. In my judg- 
ment the importance of this meeting cannot be overrated. I shall see you at the convention. 

Very truly your obedient servant, 

EDWAKD F. NOTES. 

FItOM GENERAL E. "W. KICK. 

Washington, D. C, July 8, 1872. 
Gen. a. E. Burnside, Chairman Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, New 

York City : 

General — I beg to assure you of my most hearty approval of the call for a general con- 
vention of soldiers and sailors of the late war, to meet at Pittsburg on the 17th of September 
next. 

When Gen. Gi^ant w'as first nominated, the voice of the soldiers and sailors was unani- 
mously and enthusiastically expressed at our convention at Chicago, and was gloriousl_y 
seconded by the delegates of the loyal masses in the Rppiil)lican Convention the following 
day, notwithstanding the well-known fact that many Kcpulilicaii politicians were opposed to 
the soldiers' choice. Now, the gre.it voting masses of the ]\cj)ublican party, appreciating the 
integrity and wisdom of tlie administration, have, through their instructed delegates at Phil- 
adelphia, again tendered us our chief as a candidate for the presidency, and again he is bit- 
t«rly assailed and violently opposed 1)3' the politicians who did not succeed in dictating his 
policy or controlling his patronage; and it is not only proper, but exceedingly important that 
we assemble and resjiond to their aimounced confidence and desire in terms as honest and 
earnest as they expressed them, and give them the positive assurance of our hearty indorse- 
ment of their action, and make known our great anxiety that the Government shall continue 
in its present policy, and under control of its fi'iends who preserved its integrity and its 
honor, and that it may be shielded from those who seek to seize it for purely personal pur- 
poses and di\nde its favors and its revenue with its enemies. I will be with you at Pittsburg, 
and have the honor to be, General, Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

E. W. EICE, 
Late Brevet Major-General from Iowa, 

FROM COLONEL T. W. HIGGINSON. 

Newport, R. I., August 8, 1872. 
L. E. Dudley, Esq., Secretary Veterans' National Committee : 

Dear Sir — Thank you for your invitation to be pi'esent at the Pittsbui'g Convention and 
to address it. I shall do so, if possible, and, at any rate, the Convention will have my best 
■wishes. 

I wish fi'ankly to say that I was opposed to the renomination of President Grant, but 
am in favor of his election. I see no reason for desei'ting to the enemy because I have exer- 
cised the soldiei-'s privilege of grumbling at my general. 

There seems to me no safety for the recoirstruction measures except in the hands of the 
party which passed them. 

The main war-ciy of the new party appears to be the overthrow of centralization ; and 
what they call centralization is simply the effort of a national government to save itself 
from being murdered. In such a contest, I am with the Government. 

Very truly yours, 
THOMAS WENTWORT H HIGGINSON, 

Late Colonel Thirty-third U. S. C. T. 

FROM GENERAL CHARLES DEVENS, JR. 

Worcester, Mass., July 18, 1872. 
Dear Sir — I have your note on behalf of the committee, requesting me to be pr.^sent at 
Ae Convention in Pittsburg, on the 17th of September, and am much honoi-ed by it. My 
engagements render it absolutely impossible for me to accept it, but I sincerely trust that the 
gathering will prove of gieat advantage to the good cause. 

Yours very respectfully, 

CHAS. DEVENS, Jr. 
To L. E, Dudley, Sec'y Vets. Nat, Com, 



FROM GENERAL JA3IES S. XEOLEY. 
" I am warmly interested in the movement contemplated by the National Committee of 
Veterans. The proposed Convention at Pittsburg, on Sept. 17th, has induct-'J me to change 
my intention of visiting the Pacific coast this smnmer. I shall renniin at home to contribute 
personal attention to the objects of the assembly. Six years since (186B) I enjoyed the sat- 
isfaction of witnessing an immense gathering of returned soldiers in Pittsburg. The en- 
thusiasm produced in the State by the meeting yielded profitable results at the October 
election of that year." 

FROM GEXER.\X M. D. LEGGETT. 

Washixgtox, D. C, July 16, 1872, 
Den' Sir — I have just returned from a trip We.st, and find your favor inviting me to 
attend and address a meeting at Pittsburg, of the old army and navy, in September. If 
alive, I shall certainly give myself the pleasuie of attending that meetings and if occasion 
offers, will speak as the spirit may move. My head and heart are in full accord with the 
object of that meeting. 

Very respectfullv. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Sec'i/, etc. M. D. LEGGETT. 

FROM GENERAL M. F. FORCE. 

CixciXNATi, August 16, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary : 

Colonel — Your letter inviting me to the Convention of Soldiers and Sailors, to be held 
at Pittsburg next month, came while I was out of town. I am glad such a convention is to be 
held. We, who knew General Grant in the field, when the sti'ess of emergencies brought 
the inmost traits of character to the surface, know he is an honest, sober, pure-minded man, 
upright, faithful, patient, devoted to duty, and those who know him best honor him most. 

As persons holding the office of judge abstain from taking part in political meetings, I 
refi'ain fnjm going to this, but I cannot refrain from having and expressing an opinion about 
oui" old leader. 

Four years ago, while whisky was selling all over the country for less than the tax on 
its production, distillers and tax-gatherers were growing rich ; now tiie " Whisky King" has 
passed away, and officials do their strict duty. Four years ago the combination called the 
"Indian Jibing" was so strongly intrenched that it was held impregnable. It has vanished, 
and supplies for the Indians are purchased and disbursed honestly. Four years ago our 
difficulties with England seemed inextricable, and many people looked for war for a settle- 
ment. England has made apology in a solemn treaty, and all questions are disposed of ia 
a way honorable to both nations. 

Long usage, amounting to an unwritten amendment to the Constitution, has thrown 
into the hands of the members of Congress the substantial appointment of a large part of 
the public offices, and these appointments being naturally given for political service, some 
bad appointments are inevitable. Gen. Grant, almost unaided and alone, has attemjHed to cut 
tl'.is evil up by the roots. His aim is shown in the appointments left in the actual control 
of the President : the Indian Connnissioners, the Commissioners to treat with England, and 
the Geneva appointments, are above cavil. 

His treatment of the Southern people has been, from Lee's surrender to the present day, 
just without harshness, kind and magnanimous without sentimentality. 

Comparing his administration not with an ideal standard, but with the condition of 
things four years ago, it is fair to say that he has done at least as much as any other Presi- 
dent to improve and elevate the pubhc service. The cloud of abuse which disappointed mea 
have blown about him will, iu due time, pass away, and his administration will shiue 
in history. 

Very respectfully yours, 

M. F. FORCE. 

FROM GENERAL JAMES A. EKIN. 

LouiSA'iLLE, Ky., August 2, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, N. Y. City: 
My Dear Colonel — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th 
ult., infui-ming me that "A Grand National ^lass Convention of Veterans will be held at 



Pirtsburg, PenD., on the tenth anniversary of the battle of Antietam, the 17th of September 
next," and inviting me to be present and address the Convention. 

Absence from the city has prevented an earlier reply. _ 

Pittsburo- is my native city, and to meet my brother veterans at my old home, ni the 
midst of my friends and neighbors, on such an interestmg and important occasion, will afford 
me unspeakable pleasure. 

Your kind invitation is most heartily accepted, and I trust that nothing may prevent me 
from being with you at the time indicated. 

I sympathize fully with tl.e object of the contemplated Convention, and it affords me 
unfeio-ned pleasure to "indorse the sentiments of the committee, " that the destinies of this 
country for the ensuing four years should be under the protection of men who never faltered 
in the hour of our country's greatest danger." 

I sincerely believe that this sentiment will receive a hearty response from the true and 
noble men throughout the Eepublic, and will be ratified by the American people in a manner 
that will gladden the hearts of not oidy the men who periled their lives in defense of the flag, 
but of all those who love and desire the perpetuation of the liberties we now enjoy. May 
they be perpetual. Heai'tily thanking you for your invitation, and with my best wishes for 
the triumph of the pruiciples represented by your patriotic organization, 

I am, dear sir, very respectfully, 

JAMES A. EKIN, 
Brevet. Brlg.-Genl. U. S. A. 

FROM GEXERAX SELDEN CONNOR. 

Augusta, Maine, July 27, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : 

Dear Sir — I regret exceedingly that I am unable to accept the invitation you extend to 
me to address the Mass Convention of Soldiers and Sailors which is to be held at Pittsburg 
on the 17th of Se]3tember ;iext. 

I can well believe that the defenders of the Union, gathered together in such an assem- 
blage to do it peaceful service, reviewing the glorious results accomplished by their gi-_eat 
chief in leading the country through peace to prosperity, regarding the patriotic and consist- 
ent course of the party of the Union, and confrontmg the thinly disguised dangers that 
threaten the country in the efforts of a selfish opposition to obtain power, will be re-animated 
by the enthusiasm of devotion to country that inspired them in '61. • 

The citizen-soldiers, who aided in the preservation of the Union, have watched with deep 
interest and approval the process of its restoration to perfect integi'ity, and rejoice at the result. 

They have also viewed with satisfaction the careful regard of the government for the 
national credit and honor. 

The treaty with England especially calls forth their hearty commendation. _ With the mem- 
ories of slain comrades and of all the cruel scenes of war still fresh in their minds, and filling 
them with loathing of the barbarity of the resort to arms, they regard with earnest thankful- 
ness the patient perseverance by which the Soldier-President has accomplished the peaceful 
and honorable settlement of a question that was dark with threatenings of war. 

They feel that the denial by his opponents of credit to the executive head of the Govern- 
ment, for the beneficent measures which he has recommendea and carried into effect, is as 
unju.st as would be the withholding from Grant of the credit for the victory that came to our 
arms under his leadership. 

Truth, honor, consistency, and patriotism, imperatively call upon the defenders of the 
Union to stand by their colors and support the party whose record is one of the benefits to 
the country. 

Frateraally yours, 

SELDEN COKNOR. 

FROM GENERAL J. B. KIDDOO. 

Paris, France, September 2, 1872. 
L. E. Dudley, Secretary, etc. : 

My Dear Sir— Your kind letter of July 16, inviting me to be present and address the 
Convention of Veterans to be held at Pittsburg on the 17 th inst., has justbeen received.^ I 
regret to state that my present plans will not permit me to return to the United States in time 
to participate in your deliberations. 



10 

Thouprh it is not ciiPtomary for officers of the army to take an active part in politics, I 
do not lie-situte, in consick-iation of the pecuHar nature of the present canipaiirn ami its rela- 
tion to om- late war, to express nij earnest preference for the re-ek'ction of Gen. Grant, and 
am at a loss to know how any soldier who took an honorable jiart in the struggle for the 
maintenance of the Government can possil)l\' take any other view f)f existing ati'airs. It 
would be a sad connnent on the achievements of our anns, and a virtual loss of the moral of 
our victories, if, in less than eight years after the close of the war, the leaders in the .Southern 
rebellion and their Northern allies should be i-estored to the conti-ol of the affairs of the nation. 

Tlie soldiers and sailors who fought for the life of the nation should not forget that the 
party which now opposes the re-election of Gen. Grant includes within its ranks all who 
during the war thought we were the aggressors on civil liberty and the violators of the Con- 
stitution, in our efforts to maintain the integrity of the Union by force of arms. 

The country owes General Grant a second term, not moje for his great achievements 
during the war than for the success of his administration, which, thoogli it may be excep- 
tionable in some respects, is as free from serious mistakes as any administration since that 
of Washington. 

With the assurance that you will have a reception due heroes in the loyal city ol Pitts- 
burg, in which 1 lived most of my life, and from which I entered the army at the beginning 
of the war, and with many i-egi-ets that I cannot be present, 

I remain your obedient servant, 

J. 13. KIDDOO, 
Brigadier-General U. S. A. (retired list.) 

FROM GENERAL JOHX M. THAVER. 

LmcoLX, Neb., September 12, 1872. 
Col. L. E. DfDLEY, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : 

I had fully intended to meet with the veterans at Pittsburg, on the 17th and 18th insts., 
but my engagements for speaking in this .State prevent. I am, therefore, most reluctantly 
compelled to forego the pleasure of being present. 

Hut it is a satisfaction to believe that the same high sense of patriotic duty, which moved 
the hearts of the true soldiers in the late war, will govern those who meet with you now. 
We followed our great leader, Grant, then ; so let us march under his banner now. 

Very trulv vours, 

JOilN M. THAYER. 

FROM PRIVATE TANNER, WHO LOST BOTH LEGS IN BATTLE. 

Brooklyn, N. Y., August 12, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : 

Dear Sir— Yours of recent date, inclosing call for Convention at Pittsburg, and in- 
viting myself to attend, is at hand. 

In response, I beg leave to say that every pulsation of my heart beats in unison with 
the proposed objwts of said convention, and I sliall consider it a high honor to attend, and 
by voice and vote to participate in its action. 

.Judging the feelings of otiier veterans by my own, I presume no class of our citizens 
are really more in favor of truly and speedily healing over " the bloody chasm " which now 
separates the two great sections of our country ; but we have learned too thorongldy what 
tliat chasm involves to indulge in any glittering generalities concerning it, and earnestly de- 
sire to rebuild njion a sound basis. 

If we <'vince a disposititm to reject in the structure any of the Democratic Ku-Klux 
bricks, it is because we so fully realize that they are not of standard durability. 

liecausc I distrust the sincerity of Mr. (Ji-ccley's sudden abrogation ot all party obliga- 
tions ; because I distrust the sincerity of his ])resent supporters, most of whom have been nis 
life-long opponents ; b\it, mostly because of my imlimited faith in the patriotic unselfishness, 
unlimited devotion to duty, ))rinciple, and the best interest^otthecountry, of Ulysses 8. Grant 
and HeTiiy Wilson, am I detenuined to stand unwavering atid zealously for the nominees of 
the I'liilatlelphia C<mvention, the truest exponents of American nationality and of the party 
of Liberty, Pi-ogress, and Reform. 

Very respectfully youi-s, 

JAMES TANNER, 
Late Private Slth N. ¥. Vols. 



11 

FROM GEN. BEX. SPOONER. 

Indianapolis, August 8, 1872. 
L. E. DUPLEY, Esq., Secretary Veterans' l^ational Committee, New YorTc City: 

Bear Sir I am in receipt of your favor of the 1st inst., inviting me to be present and 

address the Convention of Veterans to be held at Pittsburg on the 17th Sept. I have read 
the call, and most heartily concur in the purposes for which the convention is to be convened. 
The political canvass now pending before the people of this country devolves, in my judg- 
ment, a duty upon the soldiers and sailors of the late Union army, equal in importance to the 
safety of the Union and the preservation of the rights of the people, to the great duty so gal- 
lantly discharged by them in defending the nation agahist the gi-eatest rebellion known in 
the world's historv. Secession and rebellion were inaugurated under the .luspices of the 
Democratic party ; and for the hundreds of thousands of lives sacrificed in detense ot the flag 
— for the untold and immeasurable suffering entailed upon the people — for the widows' tears 
and the orphans' cries, and for the mountain of debt which rested so heavily upon the country 
at the close of the war, the leaders of this party should be held responsible. The election of 
Mr. Greeley means the elevati%u of the Democratic party to power, and the elevation of that 
party to power means the payment of pensions to rebel soldiers as pensions are paid to Union 
soldiers — means payment for the emancipated slaves at an estimated value of two thousand 
million dollars — means a recognition of the doctrine that a State has a right to secede from 
the Union at her pleasure, and means the restoration of the lost cause. _ 

When the poodle-dog succeeds in swallowing and merging into himself the elephant, it 
will be time enough to consider the silly pi-opositions that a few thousand Liberal Eepubli- 
cans can swallow up and merge into themselves a great party of three millions of voters. It 
is simply a trick to put the Democratic party into power, and it seems to me that every Union 
soldier and sailor should use his best efforts to defeat the monstrous conspiracy. I gave an 
entire arm in battling against Mr. Greeley's heresy of secession, as advocated so earnestly by 
him in the latter part of 1860 and the early part of 1861, and I am_ not willing now to ai(l in 
his elevation to the P-esidency, where he can have an opportunity to press his secession 
views into practical operations. If the people want peace, want quiet and rest — if they want 
stability and prosperity in the business and financial concerns of the country — if they want 
economy in the management of public affairs — if they want to transmit to the keeping of 
their children the best and strongest government on earth, they should stand by the Eepub- 
lican parly, and earnestly support Grant and Wilson for President and Vice-President. I 
hope to attend the convention, but cannot promise to make a speech. May this meeting ot 
my comrades be, in every regard, a great success. Remember me kindly to Gen. Burnside. 

Very truly, 

BEN. SPOONER. 

FROM GENERAL THOMAS C. FLETCHER. 

St. Loxns, August 5, 1872. 
L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : 

Bear Sir — In response to the cordial invitation of the committee, tendered me through 
you, I have to say, that unless prevented by demands upon my time by the Republican pai'ty 
of this State, I will certainly be present and address the mass Convention of Veterans at 
Pittsburgh, Pa., on the 17th proximo. 

In the earnest hope and candid expectation of the election of Grant and Wilson, 

I am, truly yours, 

THOS. C. FLETCHER. 

FROM GENERAL A. HICKENLOOPER. 

Cincinnati, August 6, 1872. 
L. E. Dudley, Esq., Secretary, Fifth Avenue Hotel, Neiv York : 

Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your kind invitation to be present 
at, and address the meeting of veterans of late war, to be held at Pittsburg, Pa., Sept. 17th. 
\\'liile I fully sympathize with the objects of the meeting, my business engagements are such 
that it will be impossible for me to attend. 

Respectfully, 

A. HICKENLOOPER. 



12 

rnOM GENERAL WALTEIl nAIIRISIAN. 

Concord, N. H., September 15, 1872. 

Dear General — It is a source of painful regret that I am compelled to forego the plea- 
sure of attenfhng the Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention on tlie 17th instant. 

I delivered an address in Canterbury yesterday — Saturday — and in coming home by car- 
riage after meeting took a severe cold, so that to-day I am unable to leave my room. I in- 
tended to start to-morrow morning — had made all my arrangements to do so — was animated 
with the expectation of serving in this Pittsburgh campaign under my old and honored com- 
mander, and I know not how to reconcile myself to this defeat of my long-contemplated 
plans. 

If possible, without risk to my life, I shall start to-morrow morning, and so reach Pitts- 
burg Tuesday afternoon, but at this moment the prospect is almost hopeless. 

Hoping you will have a most successful convention, I subscribe myself. 

Yours, with great rej^ard, 

WALTEli HARRIMAN. 

Major-General A. E. BORXSIDE. 

FROM GENERAL MICHAEL KERWIN. 

New York, August 3, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : 

Dear Sir — Your favor of the 1st instant, inviting me to be present and address the Vet- 
erans' Convention to be held at Pittsburg, Pa., September 17th, is at hand. 

Pemiit me, in reply, t(j thank you for the invitation, and to assure you of my hearty and 
earnest support. I would at any time deem it a*liigh honor, as well as a pleasure, to meet in 
convention so many of my old comrades in anns ; but to be present on the coming occasion^ I 
regard as a duty — an imperative duty, that every loyal Union soldier owes to the country, fur 
the presei'vation of which lie^^jught and siitl'ered so many privations. 

It is high tune that loyal men should awake to the new dangers that threaten the nation. 
Tlie friends of secession are again mustering their forces, and we should show by our action 
at Pittsburg that we are unwilling to permit the institutions, preserved at so fearful a cost, to 
fall into the hands of those who sought to destroy them. It is no longer a question of Ee- 
publicanism and Democracy, two great parties struggling for power, both aiming to promotii 
the interests of the Union. All the old landmarks of the Democratic party are completely 
obliterated, and its broken fi-agments are nov,r marshaling under the leadership of the great 
champion of the doctrine of secession, who, during the dark days of rebellion and treason, tried 
to embarrass the Government and discourage the friends of the Union by his clamoring for 
peaceful dissolution. I am happy to be able to assui-e you, from my numerous acquaintance 
among the old veterans of the war, that, regai-dless of all past political connection, the deier- 
minatioii is to unite once more under the glorious old Hag, and march to the front in defeuse 
of the Union and equal rights to all men. 

I have the honor to be, very truly, 

M. KERWIN, 
Late Col. I'Sth Penna. Cavalry and Brev. Brig.-G^enl. Vols. 

FROM GENERAL WILLLAM VANDEVER. 

Dubuque, Iowa, August 16, 1872. 
Coil. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veteran^ National Committee : 

Dear Sir—Yinvc favor of July 16th, inviting me to be present and address the Convention 
of Vetenms at, Pittsburg, on the 17th of September, came during my absence from home. 
I now hasten to rei>ly. It is impossible for me to determine at this time whether I can be 
present or not; but, whether present or absent, my heart is in sympathy with the object of 
this meeting. I cannot, for the life of me, see how any citizen who value.s the Union and de- 
sires its preservation, can vote to elevate to the presidency of the States the man who lias 
deliberately avowed that, '" ^vhenever assured the Sonthern people desii-e separation, he will 
joyfully co-operate with them to secure the end they seek." The election of such a man 
"would invite disunion. The heroic achievements of tlie Union army are valueless, if such a 
pliiloso])liy is now to prevail, and we had better abandon the ceremony of decorating with 
flowers the graves of our dead comrades, as an idle mockery, if the chief advocate of Buch 
a sentiment is to be elected President. 

The lir.'uness, moderation, and wisdom of the present Chief Magistrate of the Republic, 



13 

displayed in the field and in council, entitle him to the continued confidence of the people, and 
are a certain guaranty that he will wisely administer the government another four years. 
With great respect, your obedient servant, 

WILLIAM VANDEVER. 

FROM GENERAL A. T. A. TORBETT. 

MiLFORD, Delaware, August 29, 1872. 
To Col. L. Edwin Dudley, Secretary of Veteran^ National Committee : 

Dear Sir — It gives me gi'eat pleasure to inform you that it is my desire and intention to 
be present at the Soldiers' Convention, to be held at Pittsburg on the 17th of September next, 
there to join with my former associates in any measures which will promote the success of tlio 
grand National Eepublicau party in tl e present contest. 

Very respectfully, 

A. T. A. TORBETT. 

FROM GEXERAI, C. E. LIPPINCOTT. 

Springfield, Illinois, August 3, 1872. 
Gen. L. E. Dudley, Secretary of Veterans' National Committee : 

Dear Sir — It is the result of accident only that your favor of July 16th has been so long 
unanswered. _ I will now say that I was greatly pleased at this movement, and will do all in 
my power to induce others to attend. I shall attend, unless sometliing now unforeseen shall 
prevent. Do not count on me for a speech. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

C. E. LIPPINCOTT. 

from general J. a. WILLIAMSON. 

Des Moines, Iowa, July 31, 1872. 
L. E. Dudley, Secretary of Veterans' National Committee, New Yo7-k : 

Sir — Your favor of the 26lh inst., inclosing call for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention, 
is at hand. 

In reply to the mvitation of the committee to be- present and address the Convention at 
Pittsburg, on the 17th of September, I have to say that I shall take great pleasure in domg so. 

I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

J. A. WILLIAMSON. 

FROM GENERAL GEORGE H. PATRICK. 

Montgomery, Alabama, September 11, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Sec'y of Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, New Tori: City : 
Dear <.*?(r— Inclosed find duplicate credentials of Alabama delegation to National Con- 
vention at Pittsburg on 17th inst., the original being sent at hands of Captain R. M. Reynolds, 
State Auditor, with our greeting that the soldiers of Alabama, with one single and noticeable 
exc;.ption, will vote solid next November for their old commander; and trusting that every 
State will do as well, I remain 

Yours, truly, 

GEORGE H. PATRICK. 

from general e. f. winslow. 

St. Louis, Mo., August 6, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Sec^y of Veterans' National Committee, Fifth Avenue Hotel, New Tort: : 

Dear Sir — In response to the invitation to be present at a mass convention to be held at 
Pittsburg, September 17th next, I take great pleasure in saying it will afford me sincere 
gratification to meet my old comrades at that time and place, and that we can cordially unite 
m the support of our great commander during the present campaign, in which he is certain 
to lead, as usurd, to victory. 

I cannot conceive a good reason why one of us can abandon our colore, our leader, or 
our princijiles so much as to remain pas^^ive during the present contest, and it is much more 
difficult to believe in a change of front and its consequences to the side of union and victory. 



14 

When the issues are more clearly defined and the consequences contingent upon a possible 
failure more fully undei'stood, I am confident the men who stood slioulder to shouhler so 
firmly will again close up their ranks and move forward ^s a part of the great civilizing and 
progressive rej)ublican column, to a success as great as tl/Tit of the last presidential campaign. 
This civil and {)olitical figlit will be no less important to tlie future of our great, united, and 
now pacified and prospei'ous country, than was that last named. We all interpreted our sit- 
uation at that time clearly and intelligently, and I have faith to believe we will see, as dis- 
tinctly as then, our whole duty at this critical juncture. Certainly our recently enfranchised 
citizens are not more likely than we to learn what is best for them, and as they have already, 
in one great canvas, fixed their position, we would be less entitled to our claim of superiority 
if we failed to know oui- duty or to do it. 

Yours fraternally, 

E. F. WINSLOW. 

FROM GENERAX DENNIS F. BURKE. 

New York, August 1, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee: 

Dear Colonel — Your letter of the 1st inst., inviting me to be present at the National 
Convention of Veterans, to be held at Pittsburg, Pa., September 17th, is at hand. 

I cordially accept your invitation, and look forward to the time with pleasure, and have 
an earnest desire to meet many of my former conu-ades of the ai-my. The old Irish Brigade 
followed the fortunes of the Army of the Potomac from the beginning of the war to the end. 
The bones of four-fifths of its members, who fell in the struggle to preserve a united country, 
lie mingled with the soil of Virginia and Maryland. Many of its members still survive to 
relate their victories and the hardships they endured. They have returned to their homes, 
and take a deep interest in the prosjierity and welfare of their adopted country. As they 
stood beneath the folds of our glorious national flag in time of war, battling for fi-eedom to 
all men, so do they now desire to stand ready to maintain in peace what they sacrificed so 
much fi)r in time of war. 

Confident that we have truth and justice on our side, and that it will prevail, and feel- 
ing proud of having served under General Grant, and proud to have the privilege of voting 
for him, I am, with much respect and higli regards, 

Yours, D. F. BUEKE, 

Brevet Brigadier-General U. S, A. {late Irish Brigade). 

FROM GENERAX WItilAM S. HILLYER. 

New York, August 29, 1872. 

My Dear Colonel — ^Your kind invitation, made on behalf of the Veterans' National Com- 
mittee, to be present and address the Mass Convention of Soldiers and Sailors of the late war, 
at Pittsburg on the 17th of September next, was received at my office during my temporary 
absence from the city. 

I take the earliest opportimity to accept the invitation and express to you my cordial 
sympathy and co-operation in the movement. I will meet you at Pittsburg and do what- 
ever I can to aid in the indorsement of the man who was first in war, and is now first in 
peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen. 

Veiy respectfully yours, etc., 

WILLIAM S. HILLYER. 

Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary, etc. 

from CAPTALN JAMES H. WITHINGTON. 

San Francisco, Cal., August 31, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans^ National Executive Committee : 

Dear Sir — As I am chairman of the Veterans' Executive Committee of this State, I 
take the liberty of addressing you upon the political outlook in this section. 

The sokhers and sailors of the late war are organizing throughout the State, and it is 
their intention to take a i^romincnt })nrt in the coming campaign. Our organization here is 
larger than four years ago, and, I am proud to say, has the n S|)ect and confidence of this 
community. It is our intention to so amend our constitution as to admit to membership the 
veterans of the Mexican war, there beinii quite a number of this gallant band in our midst. 



15 

Also those Confederate soldiers who have more confidence in Grant, the general who made 
peace, than Greeley, the editor who wrote up the war. 

There are a large number of the above-mentioned soldiers awaiting an opportunity to 
join us. There are about as many old Confederate soldiers here as there are Union soldiers. 

We are peculiarly situated in this respect. ^Ye propose " to bridge the bloody chasm" 
by inviting them to a' portion of the fatted calf. We intend of course to carve, and anticipate 
quite an accession to our ranks from this source, as quite a number here expressed them- 
selves desirous of counseling with us for the welfare and prosperity of our now connnon 
country. We think the eftect will be good, for it will show that we who fought for our 
country are as ready to forgive as they are to be forgiven. 

Our convention, assembled for the purpose of sending delegates to Pittsburg, was large 
and enthusiastic, being the largest gathenng of soldiers ever held here. We send fourteen 
delegates, all of them representative men. We shall instruct them to urge upon the Pitts- 
burg Convention the propriety of holding Grant ratification meetings throughout the country 
upon some one day to be selected by the Convention. We think the eifect would be grand, 
and will guarantee that the demonstration under our auspices will be the largest ever held ou 
this coast. 

I had the honor of being a delegate to the National Convention from this city, and it was 
my intention to have been present at the meeting of veterans called together at the Conti- 
nental Hotel. As I was on this account unable to be present, Col. Coey's appointment w\is a 
good one. He is a gallant little fellow, and is well liked here. The Pacific coast will give 
her electoral votes to General Grant, California by 5,000 majority, Ox'egon 2,000, and Nevada 
1,000 majority. These figures are reliable. Some of my Democratic friends admit them con- 
fidentially. We should be happy to hear from you, and to receive such mformation and 
advice as you may, from time to time, desire to give. 

Respectfully yours, 
CAPTAIN JAMES H. WITKINGTON, 

Chairman Veterans' Executive Committee. 

FROM REV. J. G. BUTLER, D. D. 

Washington, D. C, September 22, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary, etc. 

Sir — In reply to yours, just handed me by my esteemed friend General James A, Ekin, 
U. S. A., so courteously communicating the request of the National Committee that I be 
present and act as chaplain of the National Mass Convention of Veterans, to be held at Pitts- 
burg on the 17tli inst., I regret that pending family bereavement necessarily detains me at 
home. 

I appreciate the honor conferred by the committee, and. did the providence of God per- 
mit, I could not deny myself the privilege of meeting the veterans- representing the noblo 
men who, under God, brought freedom and peace to the land — manyofwh(jm I have met 
in days darker and less hopeful than these. Our country is still safe in the keeping of the 
self-sacrificing men and women who saved it. Our honored chief has won no less the honor 
and confidence of the nation as our Executive than as the gallant and generous defender of 
our flag in the field. We who know him at home are pierced by the slanderous attacks upon 
his personal character. Modest, courteous, kind, patient amid abuse, going in and out 
among us as a man among luen, regularly and devoutly hearing the Lord's Word on the 
Lord's Day, we honor and esteem him. 

In the magnanimity of Christian patriotism, it is om's to heal and bind that which was 
rent by fraternal bondage and civil strife. 

The vaiied nationalities and sectionalisms of this great people are yet to be welded by 
the educational and religious influences of our common Christianity. The school-book 
and the church for the common brotherhood, education for all, imbued with a gospel 
broad as the Word of God. 

With an abiding faith in the triumph of truth, with an unfaltering confidence in the 
veteran survivors of many battles, and with an unswerving trust in the Lord Jehovah, our 
fathers' God, I pray that Heaven may guide your deliberations, and, in the future as in the 
past, give victory to the right. 

Again thanking you for the kind invitation, and regretting my inability to be with you, 
I am, for God and our country. 

Very truly yours, 

J. GEO. BUTLER. 



16 

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS RECEIVED. 

The following are extracts from a few of the thousands of letters received in 
response to the call : — 

Horatio Jenkins, late Colonel of the Foui'th Massachusetts Cavalry, and 
Brevet Brigadier-General, writes : — 

"As one of those who served under the banner of the Republic for three years in defense 
of the Union, I beg to assure you of my hearty approval of the call for a general convention 
of soldiers and sailors of the late war, to meet at Pittsburg, Penn., on the 17th of September 
next. 

"1 am sure the proposed convention will give such an expression of faith in the integrity 
of Gen.Grant, and in the principles of government it cost so many valuable lives to establish 
and to preserve during the late rebellion, as shall convince Liberal Republicans, Democrats, 
and Ku-Klux that the lies and slandere they have uttei-ed against the President and his ad- 
ministration have only strengthened the enthusiasm of the veterans in support of the party 
that crushed the rebellion, and in support of the well-tried leader wlio has borne the 
standard of the Republican party ' full high advanced,' with no less courage, firmness, wis- 
dom, and success in peace than in war." 

Cornelius Gr. Attwood, of Boston, writes, under date of July 25th: — 
" We oi-ganized yesterday, undei- the call of the Veterans' National Committee, for a con- 
vention at Pittsburg, Sept. 17th, with Gen. Horace Binney Sargeant in the chair. A committee 
of twelve prominent soldiers (with power to increase their number to 100) were elected to 
have entire charge of the ' On to Pittsburg ' movement. The baU has been started, and will 
roll until we send ofl" a very large delegation in September." 

William Peterkin, late gunner United States Navy, writes : — 

" Will you ]ilease place my name on your veteran list for Pittsbui'g. Let us again stand 
shoulder to shoulder, and victory will be ours in the future as in the past." 

John H. Husted, late Company H, Ninety-fifth Regiment New York Voltin- 
teers, says: — 

" As I am one of the many w^ho responded to the call of duty in 1861, to defend our Re- 
public and establish the principle that all should enjoy the inalienable right to life, liberty, 
and the pursuit of happiness, so I may be found now, with the same object in view, heartily 
responding to the call of your committee for a Veterans' Convention, to assemble in Pitts- 
burg, Penn., on the 17th of September next." 

John R. King writes from Baltimore as follows : — 

" We had .a large and enthusiastic meeting of soldiers and sailors on Tuesday night. Great 
interest was manifested, and the prospects are that a delegation numbering fully 250 men 
will go to Pittsburg. Some of our enihusiastic friends even estimate it at 400. I will send 
you a list of those who indorse the Pittsburg call next week; in the meantime send me 
some more blanks, so that I can send them through the State. We have another meeting 
next Tuesday evening, and propose keeping it up lively." 

Gen. John T. Averill, the gallant cavahy commander, writes : — 
" I have your favor of 16th inst., inviting me to be present at the Grand National Mass 
Convention of Veterans, to be held at Pittsburg, Penn., on the 17th of Sejnember next. In 
reply I have to say that I know of nothing now to preclude my attendance. I heartily 
rejoice to see the veteran element of our country arou'-ed and zealous in the work. The 
blessed rights and piivileges, procured at the cost of property and life, can only be main- 
tained by keeping from power the hostile hands that opposed our eflbrts when the country 
was in peril." 

Brevet Major-Gen, E. L. Molineairs, of New York, says : — 
" I feel fully identified in any movement tending to the re- election of Gen. Grant, and 
ehall heartily sujijiort in every way in my power the Republican nominations headed by 
Grant and Wilson." 

F. C. Mann, formerly momhcr of the Chicago Mercantile Battery, writes : — 
"As one of the 'boys in blue' who participated in the war, and at the great demonstra- 
tion in Pittsburg in 1866, I heartilj' give my suppoi-t to the proposed reunion in Se])tember 
at that place. "To my mind the people, and especially ihe veterans of the old army who car- 
ried the Stars and Stripes from Minnesota to Texas, should unite closer than ever to sup- 



17 

pon our old and tried leader, U. S. Grant. I cannot see that the old issues are dead. I am 
not willing to have a change in atfairs ; therefore, gentlemen of the committee, I shall be 
pleased to meet you in September, and hope that we will triumphantly re-elect our old loved 
chieftain." 

John S. Cluandler, Company E, Seventy-fourtli Hlinois Regiment, writing 
from Sbelbina, Mo., says : — 

" I cannot see how any true soldier can desire to see the rebel Democracy restored to 
power, and this is exactly' what the election of Greeley would accomplish ; so you can put 
me down for one vote for"Grant and the good old Republican party." 
Col. Wm. Phelps, of Detroit, Mich., says:— 

•' We have the same foe before us that we had from 1861 to 1865, whipped— but unre- 
pentant rebels and copperheads, to whom are united a few soreheads, all out of office, seek- 
ing it at all hazards and by all dishonorable means. Recent conversations and intercourse 
with late rebels from Mississippi, Louisiana, and other Southern States, who claim to accept 
the situation (only because they cannot help it), have led me to see the same spirit and 
desire they had in the rebellion, as I witnessed it, and who find a sympathy and fellow-feel- 
ing among the copperheads in our State, are the most abusive of our chief magistrate, and 
stoop to the most malignant slander. Thev were the most earnest in recommending Greeley a 
nomination and indorsing it. While the call of Johnson, Gordon, and other rebel generals, 
appear at the Baltimore Convention for the Confederates, North and South, to meet to consider 
the 'lost cause,' and how through Greelev they may regain it, the 'boys in blue, in 
Michigan, will tall into line and stand by Grant as he stood by us and our country." 

T. J. Downing, says : — 

" I was a soldier of the late war; was at Antietam, a member of Company B, Sixtieth 
New York Regiment. For one I heartily approve of the call for a Veterans' Convention at 
Pittsburg, Sept. 17. St. Lawrence County turnished many soldiers, and, as they were for the 
Union then, so they are now." 

Ricliard S. Tuthill, late Battery H, First Michigan Ai-tiUery, (Logan's old 
division), writes from Nashville, Tenn. : — 

" There is no enthusiasm here among Democrats over the Tammany candidate, and all 
efforts to manufacture it have proved fruitless. For every weak-kneed Republican who 
votes for the Democrat — Greeley, Grant will gain ten votes in Tennessee from honest, sensible 
Democrats. I am satisfied that a thorough canvass will carry our State for Grant and 
WiLson. 

Capt. W. M. Taylor, late Tenth United States Cavalry writes from Ottawa, 
m. :— 

" As long as I see so many one-armed and one-legged men about me, as long as so many 
orphan children go about the streets, as long as so iiiauy widows mourn the loss of their 
husbands, / doitt i^opose to believe the issues of ten years ago are dead. Neither do I pro- 
pose to go for Horace Greelej^, the man who is willing to forget every good he has done, and 
nullify his past record for the nomination of a mongrel Democratic ' loose' Republican sore- 
head Convention. Book me for Pittsburg, Sept. 17th, 1872." 

A private letter from a distinguished ex-soldier from Fredericktown, Mo., 

says: — ^vt • , 

" I hope to be able to meet those of our comrades who will be present at our National 
Convention at Pittsburg, on the 17th of September next, and I shall endeavor to secure the 
attendance of a large delegation from this State." 

Capt. Clifford Coddington, Fifty-first New York Volunteers, who was se- 
verely w oiinded at the battle of Antietam, wiites from Kingston :— 

" It will afford me great pleasure to attend and to do anything in my power to advance 
the success of the proposed reunion. I believe with Horace Greeley, before he became a 
convert to Tammany, that ' Gen. Grant will be far better qualified for the presidential chair 
in 1872 than he was in 1868.'" 

Gen. John L. Beveridge says : — 

" I have received the kind invitation extended by the committee, through you, to be pres- 
ent and address the Convention of Soldiers and Sailors to be held at Pittsburg, Penna., on 
the 17th of September next, and thankfully accept the same." 

2 



IS 

Capt. Bicbard Carter, of DodgeTflle, Wk., says : — 
*- 1 k:»n- oif DO soldier who has piv^Ssfed Bepahficaa |xiiidpl«s who fihets sow.* 

A joint letter £rom Hagfir Basbyschell, <rf the Forty-eighth Pennsyl vaaia 
\ cinmeerss. Wm. M. Snnkle, of the Third Penn^vlvania Artillery, and Charles 
Barlow, erf the One Hundred and Twenty -iirsT Pennsylvania Volnnteers, 
says: — 

" Hetrdbr ^wrorin^ jvor calL dated the S th m st.. fcr a me^tiu); cf all solders and aul- 
ees w!>L> apfvovv me BOBmutiaB cfGnuat and WifsoD, w« respec^alhr a^ thai our names 
he eiiralkd as in e%«i war bkdoc^K: tdie sentiments set forth in toot calL pledgii^ what- 
ewr mftaeace w« may poEeeas in fnrdiaing the great canse of Ri^MibiicaDism pore and ona- 
dnltented.' 

Col. James Luke and liajw James B. HtHoci- write : — 

" We sntmely &vor the movement calSi^ for a meedi^ of * eol£ets and saikws to in- 
dorse tite renecsisaxion of Gen. U. S. Gract." "^ 

J. H. SteToisoii, late prirste One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
eaye: — 

"^ Under Beps&ficaB nk dmii^ the past decade, our covntiy has prosfMredb^nMid pre- 
cedent, and if wxe have perfbnned same ok oar duties dowij. it most be remenibe^vd we bad 
to %ht evefT men oft me w«t ; our progrese was at ertery ssi^ imp«ikd by the bold, defiant 
aad^weffjl ceganiODon known as die DcsK«ntic party : and although they have * caved 
: all dke pafatts ol d jiftwan o e. yet they haTv not ' oome in.' ' 



THE PAXiGSR OF A DEM'^CBATIC TXTTOST. 

Xew Hatex. Coxjf „ July 6, 1872. 
I_ E. riTDLET. -S g rc M/ y Vaermmt SmiKimiai C^mamiitee: 

Dear Sir — Thtt ad di e aB of joor eoBBUttee meets my convicfion *£ die dirties the extra- 
e?di3arr cris? of the omntiy d e %ul% « b on the k^ neO; who stood hv the old flag and pot 
down theiehelSon. 

The sp ertade of a '^ new depntore ** that has taken sodi Aaife as to hanoonize the 
Coppeihead Demoency of dw North and the rebel Democracy of die Soodi with the »>- 
caBed Obetd ScpobScaiK. headed hy Mr. Greeley, is really cutse of akrm. I^ioiild this 
departure saeeeed in Ae purp o B C of its kaden and break np the BepabGeaa party ._ it is not 
imposaMe that oar children wosld be tenting on oar old eauap-gronnds fi g htin g again gigan- 
t3c oEzanmd lebelSoEi. 

I a^ dierefiwe the mote earnest in my deare to see a fidl and &ir expresaoo of dieeen- 
tznente of ife Yvfienae toward die pr^ent diet Hagistrate. and I diink that their senti- 
mentE win ha«« potential influence widtdkehoBBEtinilfiaiB of loyal people who have not yet 
Sxaotten their g ' *iii«»«i» to that annr and its iliaElnoas duef who saved the Federal Union. 
~ In my jodgment, the re-dectiaB of Preadent Grant at diis criss is qoite as important to 
die e wmtij as his pvomodon to the stqveme command rf die army was in die daikeet davs 
tif^eicbdSoa. He cono n Bn d the idbdBon dien,hewin preaerrc the costly resoha of its 
fin liliiei' now, if re deefeed. 

I am, ar, verr retpeetfidhr. 

R S. BOBEBTS. 
BmH Briyadier-Gtmeral U^ittd StJin Armtf. 

tutt t m ei M S OX EVXET 5IDK Of EVEEY QTTESTlOy. 

Deiboit, Mich., Ja!y 9. 1?r2. 

Mr iMmr Gr men i T So6aag in die press fisnatdhes the call fior a meeting of s^> d'ers 
azjd saDor^ wiK> astprove the actioa of the Fhihddpfaia Conventioo. to be h^ at Pittsborg 
on the 17th of Sepaanber, I take oeeiaon to saj ^at this movement has mj moex earnest 
a^mpauiy. 

The eooBbig *— »«r«f!* wiD he one of £T«at importance : ae innch so. perhaps^ as any 
ibM hw oujiiie d aaoe ^ fiNmdatkn of t^ Gonrnment. The resohs of oar finer years at 
mii hle war are at stake, and tfan* can only be a e uund by die dection of oor old diie^ U. S. 
Graac In my opinion, he has ^own himself ae great in managii^ civQ officers as in lead- 
iMT anees Oor c umhIi» wn? never more praepoooe and h^py dian imder bis a dmin - 
BMML Onr paWe "fcKftin— have been met even before dier were doe. All oar great 
>WI tW TfTTf i>fifl "" « j ««J p— ■■«■"*»*«> whi«4i th#j- f«nM net ferf mider 



19 

a govemTiieiit presided over by that poor old Tacilladng Aenaagogae. vho hze been oe er^rr 
side of every ptblic qoestion for the last thirty years — ^fioiraee Greeky. 

I shall endeavor lo be in Piit>bur^ at the meeting, and shall be pleased to renew the 
associations so dear to me formed daring nearly four years of active serviee in the late war. 
Wishing the movement the most complete sacceas, I remain. Toare verv tralr, 

A- iL EDWARDS. 
Zidfe Colonel TwHt^fourtk Michigan Infantry. 
Gen. A, E. BrESsrOE. Fifth Avecne HoteL Xew Tort 

Gen. Jcxirs White, of CMcago, savs : — 

" Please enrol; ray aaaje as one of "L-.-se who fevor eocb an asemblage ; and, if it be sot 
oat of place, let rue uow express the hope that the men who defended the eoantiy in its time 
of peril, will not deem onr aban doom est of the party, far whose principles they fought, a saie 
thing to do at present, if e\ er.' 

XOT EEADT FOE A EEBEL COPAETXEESHIP. 

Wm. A- ScHiJiDT, late Colonel of the T-wentr-scTenth IDiiiois Yolunteers, 
and Brevet Brigadier-General, says : — 

'• I hereby inform you ot my hearty indorsement and a|^pKOTal al the call fiw a Ceavea- 
tioa of .Soldiers and Sailors on the ITth of S^enber next, at Pilteburg, to ratify the nnnina- 
tion of onr glorious leader. U. S. Grant, and his asodate aa the tickc^ Heniy Wlkon. In 
the same month (Sep>tember) ^x years ago, a similar eonvoition m^ in the same i^aee to 
condemn the attempted role and prevent the tran^cx- c^ the control of govemmeaat firam the 
hands ot the grand Bepnbliean party to those of the B^>d Democrai^. I had the honor 
and pleasure to be present at that Convection, as a del^ate from the great State cf IIlinca& A 
similar attempt, in my opinion, is being made at this time, to plaee the eoontry in the hands 
of those who would, if they could, have destroyed it. For one, I am not ready to sdl out to 
rebels, or to even form a copartnership with Democrats; ^ocfore, I prtqwee to adhere to the 
principles for which I fought, a^d stand by the men with whom and 10x10* whom I stood in 
the fore-front at battle. Circmnstances permitting. I shaQ be in Pittsbor?.^ 

STKATTXG ^^^ox rxiroBJts. 

E. P. Hell, late private First Marine Heavy Artillerv, sa^: — 
'■ I h"pe there will be a large aiten'iaace at Pinsburg. and shall be thoe if po^ble. 
This Giieeley movement is simply the old rebel trick <^ stealing oar nni&HFms.'^ 

W31. M. PrRKTXs says : — 

*' I hereby teuder yon the heart and hand rfa 'high caapoial,'' during most eamestly to 
add my fetrble effort for the ftntheranoe of the giorions object in view, viz., the extirpaiion erf 
the least and last remains of the rebijlion &om our midst, whether it comes &om the Sooihem 
lire-eater or the Northern renegade. I believe that soeh resnhs can wily be achieved by 
the continuance in pow»- of the present e^Sciait administration, and I am one of many who 
hold the opinion that chaos and civil turmoil would follow the eleetion of sndli a vacillaling 
oSce-seeker as Horace Greeley to the head of this nation." 

A VOICaE FBOM AXDERSOXVILLE. 

A. T. Decker, late Corporal Company L, Seventh Xew York Heavy Artil- 
lery, says : — 

•• In the campaign of l-ro4 I was t^kea prisoaer at Cold Harb(»v and was in Andosom- 
ville ten mouths. I weighed jasi niaety-six poonds whaa I came oat of i^at ieaifb] place, 
and I now leel no incliEaiion to join haiics xvith Horace Greeley and the reb^ aoA oqpper- 
heads who advocate Ms eleetioa. Let lis re-elect Gai. Grant, and give Horace an of^mttDnity 
to tell us more of * what he knows " aboaT tanning, so that we may cnhrrate oar IdO aoes 
iatelligeDtly,'" 

Josepii L. D, Biker, late private Company C, Fonrteenth Xew York Vohm- 
teers, says : — 

" I aj^^'prove m<isi heartily this caS. and I thank yoa and those a£sodated with you for 
your zeal ia s<> g>i.»od a cause, God bitfss our Preadent."' 

Capt. Jolm McGk^han says: — 
'• The men who both by land and sea loTlowed the lead of soch captains as Grar:, Sher- 
man. Sheridan. Farragui. Porter. Dupon*. and oihcrs. who so noblv did their darr in their 
pn>i ti-r sjibt^!-es. wE^ not rail to do thrir v."..'3e draij by the coimtzy ii, its pr^s^ii cnsis." 



20 

THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE. 

E. L. Campbell, late Colonel Fomth New Jersey Volunteers, and Brevet 
Brigadier-General, says : — 

"1 have taken no active part in politics for six years past ; but the recent unholy alliance 
of our natural enemy with those who should be ashamed of t-lic association makes me feel 
much like rendering such service as I may be able to do toward combating and defeating it. 
Please enroll me for Pittsburg.'' 

Wni. Hemstrect, formerly Captain Eighteenth Missouri Volunteers, and 
Brevet Lieuteuaut-Coloiiel, says : — 

" 1 have never held any civil otlice nor asked for any, and I am just as enthusiastically 
in favor of Gen. Grants re-election as I was for his first election. I think for myself, as one 
f)f ihe people, and from the time I lirst met Grant on the nuul-flats at Cairo,_ in lf:*l31, until 
now, I have only unciualified admiration of him as a prwluct of Americanism. I intend 
to fight his defaniers, as I have from the first his enemies in front of him." 

L. M. Tuxal, late private One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteers, 

says : — 

"I beg to state that, having been a soldier in the late war for four years, I most heartily 
approve of the movement and indorse the object thereof to the fullest extent." 

Thomas Brown, late private Company D, Eighty-eighth New York Volun- 
teers, says : — 

'■ I'lease ' count me in' in any undertaking your committee may think proper to com- 
mence in order to support Gen. Grant and his administration.'' 

A KEBEL FLANK MOVEMENT. 

Enos G. Burr, late private Eighteenth Ncav Jersey Volunteers, says :— 

" The nomination of Mr. Greeley by a few so-called ' Liberal Kepublicans' working for 
and in tiie intei-est of the Democratic party in its new departure, will avail nothing if we 
and our leaders are watchful and active; and if he is elected by men who have hated and 
cursed him for years, but who have now overconx! and bound him upon the funeral-pile of 
iiolitical death, we to a certain degree will be resi)onsiblefor the results. But it seems to me 
that the loyal men of the country cannot allow so great a change to come to pass. _ We must 
remember that it is our old enemy tryirg to flank us— Jeff. Davis and all united with him — 
to destroy our republic. , o i 

" C:;n any of our comrades so easily forget their brothers moldenng under Southern 
soil from starvation, caused by unprincipled foes, and can they forget their own hardships in 
the work of overcoming that foe 1 " 

3. E. Morrison, late private Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, says :— 
" I believe every soldier and sailor in Northwest Ohio will heartily indorse this cure. 
To my knowledge, there is not one Kepublican in this county supporting Greeley. The 
Democrats are sore at the proposed .'^ale to be made at Baltimore on the 9th inst. With 
Greeley nominated, the Democratic i^arty will be divided, and Grant, with every sail filled by 
a favoring breeze, will sail over the course triumphantly, and come to an anchorage in the 
White House again in November.'' 

Private C. W. Hazzard says : — 

" Hv all means let us have a bumper at Pittsburg ! Our experience of a former 
convention at the same place will warrant the going ahead with this. The Pittsburg 
boys will come right up with the woi-k of getting ready and being ready, I am sure." 

Jas. E. ^Montgomery, late Major and Assistant Adjutant-General United 
States Volunteers, says : — 

" I hope to be able to be present at the meeting of soldiers and sailors to be held at Pitts- 
burg on the next annivei-sary of the battle of Autietam, and shall do all in my power to in- 
duce othei-8 to unite in the movement.'' 

STANDING nV THE OLD COMJLXNDER. 

Private "William McCanick says : — 

" I heartily api>rove the object of the call issued by your committee to the veterans ol 
the late war, and I as.snro you it gives me the greatest ple.-vsure to urge on all, and especially 
my former comrades, the necessity of standing by their old commander in this trying Lour, 
instead of yielding the country to the hands of still unrepentant rebels.'' 



21 

Robert M. Davies, late Captain Sixty-second New York Volunteers, says :— 

" As one of the veterans who served under Gen. Grant duruig the war, allow ine to 
express my approval of the objects of the proposed Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention. I am 
as well satisfied with Gen. Grant's management of civil affaiis as I am sure I was myself and 
all loyal men were, with the brave and gallant manner in which he gave the country peace. 
I, for one, shall stand under his banner and gladly hail him as my next President." 

H. S. Hendee, late Surgeon One Hundred and Fifty-third New York Volun- 
teers, says: — 

" In common with those who served their country against treason and rebellicm, I rejoice 
with my whole heart at the call for the Veterans' Convention at Pittsburg, Sept. 17th. It will 
have the presence of many, and the sympathy of all loyal men in the nation. The soldiers 
and sailors have no sympathy or respect for the vacillating advocate of Spiritualism, Four- 
ierism, Browai-Breadism, Jeff.-Davisism, Tammany-Hallism, and, finally, Whisky-Democ- 
racyism and his own isms besides; but they have confidence, sympathy, respect, and love for 
those 'who never faltered in our country's greatest danger,' and will heartily support the hero 
of a hundred battles and the honored and favorite son of the Republic, Gen. U. S. Grant." 

Private C. W, Kilborn says: — 

" Such an expression in favor of Grant 'and Wilson as will be given by the proposed 
convention must have its ^yeight with the people, who still regard the wishes of those 
who for their sake and that of Kepublican principles placed themselves between them and 
all harm. The country trusted tlie army and navy then, and was saved. Has its fiiith and 
confidence in them ceased now '? It cannot be." 

Col. Gus. G. Frick, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, answers: — 

"Yes; let us have a general movement of the boys in the direction of Pittsburg. We 
hear in the distance the same old yell so many of us heard during 'the time that tried men's 
souls' on the other side of the Potomac and the Ohio, and it behooves us again to unfurl our 
flags, burnish up our arms, and prepare to meet the old, but disguised enemy. Let us throw- 
out our skirmishei-s at Pittsburg, guard well against a 'pressure' fr(ym the rear, and thenput 
the lines in motion, and keep moving until he is completely and finally vanquished. This is 
the feeling that pervades the ranks of the men in this direction who wore the blue, and who 
are now putting on their badges and mustering for the fight. An easy victory awaits us 
under our gallant leader. Gen. Grant, over the men who confronted us in the South, and those 
who fought for their country and flag north of the Susquehanna and Delaware, 500 miles 
away from danger." 

W. W, Brown, late private First Pennsylvania Rifles, says:— 

"The bovs in blue never came together in any other than a good cause. They never 
have had, and I doubi if they ever will have, a relish for Tammany or Tammany candi 
dates. They have a vivid recollection of 1863, when the army had to be divided in the most 
perilous hour of the Eepublic, in order to put down treason in New York. It is no satisfac- 
tion t(» know that Mr. Greeley has been faithful among the faithless ; the question is, how 
does he stand now? That he leans upon ' Boss' Tweed for support is as plain as that he 
relies upon Trumbull. That Jefl". Davis is his supporter none can deny; and that they 
should go into the same political grave is quite appropriate; and that the soldiers should 
assist at the funeral is according to the eternal fitness of things." 
Col. David Bronson, of Missom-i, says : — 

" I attended in 1866 a similar gathering as a delegate from Missouri, and propose to be 
present this year." 

John Beverly, late Lieutenant-Colonel Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers, 
sends word : — 

"I cannot see how any old veteran can adopt the rebel battle-cry of 'Anything to beat 
Grant.' This cry did not save the rebels, and it cannot save Greeley. I know of no old 
veteran that will vote for Greeley in this vicinity."- 

Capt. W. D. Phillips says :— 

"I heartily approve of the objects of the call for a great national meeting of soldiers 
and sailors who served the Union in her hours of trial." 

Lieut. J. M. John, of Mount Carniel, I'enna., says : — 

" Oar county, ' Northumberland,' will gladly respond, and send her delegates to confirai 
the majority that will be cast for our great leader in November." 



22 
Private Clifton W. Wiles, Tenth New York Cavalry, replies :— 

" I cannot ))ersuade myself that the men that promoted secession by their acts and 
words sliould yat be permitted to take control of a government which they endeavored to 
destroy and failed. The next election must be to them what Vicksburg and Gettysburg were 
to the Confederacy." 

Sergt, F. J. Edwards, of Dowagiac, Mich., says : — 

" Our picket-line in this connnunity is still unbroken. We will march on the works of 
that man Greeley and send our votes with doubled interest to uphold the man who has done 
so well for our nation. We love him and we ivill support him." 

Major Henry O'Connor, late Attorney-General of Iowa, writes : — 
"The call made by the committee for a convention of soldiers and sailors, to be held 
at Pittsburg on the 17th September next, meets with the Avarmest res])ouse from every soldier 
whom I have heard speak on the subject, and all desire to be thei-e. I believe that at least 
100,000 men from the old army and navy will be at Pittsburg on that day, all animated by a 
common purpose to manifest their love for the old flag, and "to do honor to the man under 
whose lead that flag never was lowered. Gen. Grant's character needs no defense, either as 
soldier or civilian, general or magisti'ate ; but, in the personal and coarse abuse which has 
been recently hea))ed ujion him by rebels, copperheads, and soreheads, every soldier feels 
that lie is himself insulted, and that, too, because he was a soldier." 

D. Anderson, late Colonel Nineteenth Michigan, says : — 

"I know that the great mass ot the soldiers and sailors that saved our country are sound 
to-day, and caiuiot be liumbugged by any cry of corruption or returm coming from men so 
lately the open enemies of our counti-y — or their friends. We want no such experiment. 
We know that under the present administration our country is safe, and we meiui to keep 

it so." 

Philadelphia, Penx.\., July 15, 1872. 

L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : 

Dear Sir — Noticing the call of your committee for a mass convention of the veteran 
soldiers and sailors of the late war, to meet in Pittsburg, on the 17th of September, I desire 
most heartily to indorse the same and express my sympathy v/ith its objects, and I trust 
that the assembly call will bring together a body ot veterans equal in numbers and enthusi- 
asm with that which met in the same place and for a similar purpose in 1866. 

With respect, very truly yours, 

JAS. STEWART, Jr., 
Late Colonel Ninth New JerB3y Volunteers, and Brevet Brigadier-General Commanding First 
Brigade, Second Division, Eighteenth Army Corps. 

Col. A. P. Ketchain says : — 

" You may put me down as one of those who approve the objects of your call most em- 
phatically." 

John H. McMurdy, of Georgetown, Col., says :— 

" As one of the soldiers from the Territory of Colorado, my name may be used to call 
the National Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention, and I am much mistaken if from every 
hamlet in the land there does not come the same spontaneous response." 

PENNSYLVANIA SOLDIERS UNANIMOUS FOR GRANT. 

W. C. Gray, of Chester, Penna., says : — 

"We, the soldiers ot Delaware County, Penn., are for U. S. Grant unanimously, with- 
out regard to former party prejudices, and in November will give the Grant electoral ticket 
the largest majority ever given for any ticket in this Republican stronghold." 

William A. Short, late private Company E, Seventieth New York Volun- 
teers, was secretai-y of the committee which organized the Convention of Sol- 
diers and Sailors at Pittsburg, in 18(36, and was removed from his place in the 
Tieasury Department by Andrew Johnson for his labors at that time. The 
f(Jllo^^ing extract from his letter shows that he still keeps up with tlie fiont 

line : — ,• , i 

" I send herewith a list of names of veterans who indorse the call for a soldiers and 
sailors' conventions to be held in Pittsburg, Sept. 17, 1872, most of whom express their inten- 
tion ot attending the same. Our " boys in blue'' in this section have not forgotten (Jreeley s 
"on to Richmond" one day, and " peace at any price " the next; nor his gratitude, aftei- 



23 

ward manifested by his uncalled-for opposition to the bill for equalizing the bounties, and hi^ 
mean and bitter attacks upon those of the rank and file of the army who drafted the bill an 1 
advocated its passage' as a matter of simple justice to the early volunteers. The DemocratiL 
party, both during and since the war, has been the implacable enemy of the Union soldier 
and sailor, and to support Horace Greeley now, the representative of that party, would be a 
stultification of every principle for wluch we contended in the field." 

grant's "SMOKIN'G AXD summering" in VIRGINIA IN '04 AND 'o?. 

EoTjert W. C. Mitchell, private Eigliteentli New York Cavalry, says : — 
" Having taken a hand in the war for the Union, I can hardly see how I cannot heartily 
approve of the objects of the call of the committee of which you are chainnan. I trust th(} 
b<jys will a%vake to the fact that the enemy is up again, disguised, and now joined by cow- 
ardly deserters. Among the names attached to the call I noticed the names of men that I, 
with otfiers, have followed in the figh^. against a brave Southern rank and tile, and I am sure 
we cannot but join in the thrasliing about to be given the valiant (i) home guards of '61 and 
'65 — those who with Horace Greeley cried "on to Richmond," four hundred miles away, 
and fought and won the great battles of the war — on paper — while Gi-ant was smoking and 
summering it down in Virginia, around such watering-places as Petersbiu-g. Sound the 
reveille ! Let's hammer hell out of them this time." ' 

Brevet Major H. A. Norton, of Chicago, says : — 

" The address of the Veterans' National Committee of July 5 meets with my hearty ap- 
proval, and I tiiinly believe that great good will result from the meeting proposed. If pos- 
sible, I shall be present Seju. 17th, and I beUeve that the old rauk and file wiU still present 
an unbroken front to the enemy." 

A- T. Johiisou, of Kewanee, 111., writes : — 

" There are soldiers and sailors, and good Republican citizen voters enough, and a large 
majority over, to re-elect Gen. Grant, and Ave are going to do it this fall." 

Private T, Jones, late Company F, Twelftli Pennsylvania, writes : — 

" Agreeably to the invitation extended through the papers to the soldiers and and sail- 
ors who favor the re-election of Gen. Gi'ant as our next President, to meet in genera! con- 
vention at Pittsburg, Sept. 17th, I hereby notify your committee that I will be at the place a)>- 
pointed, if alive." The above was indorsed as follows : " We also heartily approve of IhijD 
call, and signify our intention of being present at the Convention." 

HENRY ABBOTT, 
H. D. BUNSING, 
SAML SEBLERY, 
PETER TIPPENS. 

FR03I GENERAX W. W. BELKNAP, SECRETARY OF WAR. 

War DEPAiiTMENT, Washington City, September 10, 1872. 

Dear Sir— I have delayed answering your letter of invitation to the Grand National 
Convention of Soldiers and Sailors at Pittsburg, in the hope that I might be able to givt? 
vou the assurance that I would be present; and it is with much regret that I find m^ytieli 
compelled, by the pressure of official duties here, to decline the invitation. 

But, though not permitted to be present with you, I cannot forego the opportunity of 
expressing to you my gratification at the spirit which has prompted the call for this Con- 
vention. At a time when party strife has made our opponents forget the eminent servicer, 
during the war of the man who so often led us to victory, it is most fitting that his old 
coim-ades in arms, associates on many fields, should meet together in enthusiastic gatherings, 
to remind the republic that his achievements are not forgotten by those who, under hij 
leadership, saved it from destruction. 

It is not for me to recount his services. They are recorded in our hearts and in tho 
history of our country. Those who know him have no fear that the Government will not 
be well conducted, if placed in his hands for another term. His administration of it for the 
past four years has been marked by a steady decrease of the public debt, by increased con- 
fidence in ])ub]ic credit, and by just and upright execution of the laws. A wise and steady 
policy in the same direction is the assurance to be derived from the experience of the past. 

With a cordial greeting to all, and with my best wishes for a most pleasant meeting, 

I am, very truly voiirs, 

WM. W. BELIvNAP. 

L. E. Dudley, Esq., Secretary, etc., New York. 



24 

FROM GEXER.1L H. H. WELLS, EX-GOX-^RXOR OF VIRGIXIA. 

ElCHMOXU, Va., September 4, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary, etc. : 

J o '-'r^'""'' ^^'^^^^' ^^^'^"S me to be present and address tiie Mnss Convention of Soldiers 
and bailors at Pittsburg on the 17th oftliis month, is at hand. While compelled bv duties 
here to decline your invitation, I cannot willingly forego the opportunity of expressing inv 
earnest approval and cordial sympathy with the great enterprise in which our comrades 
are engaged. 

_ On the day that General Grant joined the army of the Potomac, to assun^e for the first 
time the command of it, I went with him to General Meade's headquarters. Ou the way 
between Manassas Junction and Brandy Station, the General said: " What do you think 
would be the consequence of electing as President, at this time, General McClellan, or any 
other Democrat r' I answered, " That it would, in my judgmeut, inevitably result in the 
early recognition of the independence of the Confederate States." His reply was : " It could 
not be otherwise. This war must be successfully dosed up, and the MepuMican party ahme can 
be trusted with the responsibility of settling its issties." 

What our great captain said then is true now. And I believe that General Grant's re- 
election is as vital to the great interests of the country as was the re-election in 18(34 of our 
martyred leader, hero, and patriot — Abraham Lincoln. 

Glorious to oui- armies, and honorable to the foes that opposed us, as was the surrender 
at Appomattox, neither General Grant's work, nor that of the Union soldiers, was there 
ended. It remained for him to protect the brave men who had already surrendered, and 
to secure for them the peaceful enjoymentof the just andmagnaniniDus terms he had prom- 
ised ; but it remained as well for him and us to secure for the common benefit of the whole 
country— the South as well as the North— the precious fruits of tlie great battle that 
was won. 

Good government is not yet fully established. The supremacy of the law is not every- 
where m.aintained, nor do all the citizens possess the same full, bounteous measure of rights 
and privileges ; the same just e(^uality, nor the same ample protection and security for^'tlie 
safety of their persons, the enjoynient of their estates, or the fi-ee expression of their 
opinions ; and, until this has been accomplished, our work will not be done. 

The men who sought to defeat Abraham Lincoln and the Union arn/v in 1864, seek to 
defeat General Grant and the Republican party in l>^72. The weapons' are not the same, 
but the consequences involved in a defeat now are quite as disastrous as then; and, in my 
judgment, a surrender to Mr. Greeley would be more dishonorable than a defeat by General 
Lee. 

The Union men of the South appreciate the fact that the campaign of 1872 means for 
them a fierce and unremitting battle for existence against a foe that is unscrupulous, 
remorseless, and brutal. 

_ We know that the party represented by Mr. Greeley treats all men in the South, not 
acting and voting with it, as enemies who aa-e entitled to none of the rights seeui-ed by the 
rules of civilized warfare, but to be mercilessly persecuted, and cruelly punished for what is 
no crime iinder the constitution of God or civil society. It denounces all l£e]>>il>licans as 
either "niggers," "carpet-baggers," or "scalawags," and evtr^ one of each class as an 
outlaw and_ a scoundrel, to be hunted down by paid spies, tried on the testimony trf" 
suborned witnesses, and condemned by ])acked juries and ])artisari judges. 

It regards the negro as not fit for the rights, nor entitled to the privileges of citizen- 
ship, and, therefore, to be sjjeedily remitted to a worse condition of ignorance and degradation 
than that in which he has heretofore been kept, which can best be done by alx>lishing con- 
stitutional provisions adopted for his protection, closing the public scliools, excluding him 
from the jury-box, even when his own race is on trial, and by the general re-establishment 
and frequent use of the whipping-post. 

It regards every native of the State, no matter Avhat his lineage, virtue, patriotism, 
standing, or character, if he is a Ki-publican, as a proper subject to be assailed, abused, 
and defamed, threatened, intimidated, and persecuted ; b;ini'shed from society, cut off 
fi-om his former friends, and degraded in the public estimation to tiie last degree of 
human endurance. 

The same infamous party creed is not less cruel nor remorseless towards the 
citizen who comes liere from another State. If an active Republican, no matter how 
long he has been here, liow extensive his ])Ossession.s, how unblemished his character, how 
useful his enterprises, or how permanent his attachment to the State, he is to be excluded 



fi'otn society, denied the courtesies of civilized life, treated as an intruder, derided as an 
enemy, harassed with vexations, prosecutions, and accused of crimes of which he is not 
guilty, until he either changes his politics, leaves the State, or his ostracism, persecution, and 
oppression are ended in a prison, or possibly in a dungeon, with a halter at the end of it. 

Governed by such a creed, and ruthlessly executing so barbarous a policy, there, is no 
necessity of Ku-lvlux, or any other secret association of cut-throats or midnight assassins ; 
the cost of their paint, disguises, and dark lanterns, is an unnecessary expense and a 
useless waste of money. 

There are in the South a multitude of men and women born here, too just, too patriotic 
and humane to believe in, defend, or justify the monstrous creed to which I have referred ; 
but, with Horace Greeley as a leader of his present following, and a successful presidential 
candidate, sucii good men and women become utterly powerless to stay the tide of disaster, 
oppression, suffering, and sorrow, which even now threatens us. 

I had occasion to express these same sentiments about a year since, nor has the year 
passed in any degree abated the confidence then entertained in the truth of the statements 
made, nor weakened the apprehensions then felt of the great and impending danger that 
now threatens the South. 

The Republican party and General Grant, and not Mr. Greeley, are the authors of every 
measure of justice and wise liberality which has been extended to the South since the close 
ot the war; amnesty, peace, and fiaternity is their pledged policy for the future; and not 
until the great principles of justice and equality are put into active operation, will the 
mission of the Kepublicau party, or the duty of the Union soldier be ended; the defeat of 
General Grant now would re-open all the healed wounds and inaugurate an administration 
disastrous to the whole country — unfortunate for the North, and cruel to the South. The 
soldiers who have lain down their muskets and sabres, must now take up their ballots and 
vote as they fought, until all men are indeed equal, and so secure in their equalities, that 
they can express their opinions and vote for the candidates of their choice in the South as 
fi-eely and with as little fear of ostracism, threats, or intimidations, as they can in the North 
to-day. 

I hope and believe that the Convention will be a great sviccess, that General Grant will 
be re-elected, and by the largest majority ever given to a presidential candidate, and that, 
by a wise, firm, and patriotic administration of public affairs, the whole country will 
indeed be blessed ; and that while the North rejoices in rights secured, the Soutli will hail 
General Grant as the great pacificator, the chieftain, and leader, who won his best triuujphs 
by a great victory over their worst prejudices. 

I remain, my dear sir, very sincerely yours, 

H. H. WELLS. 

EECEPTION OF THE VETERANS AT PITTSBURG, PA. 

Never before, in the history of this country, have such unusual and magnificent prepa- 
rations been made for the reception and entertainment of any assemblage, as was made 
upon this occasion by the people of Pittsburg. Nearly every house in that city was decorated 
with flags, banners, and mottoes. At the crossings of all the principal streets, triumphal 
arches, covered with evergreens and flowv.rs, were erected. At nearly every private house in 
the entire city the doors were thrown open to receive the many thousand guests who were 
unable to be entertained at the hotels. At the City Hall tables were spread, bounteously 
loaded with tempting viands, and in one day the noble-hearted women of Pittsburg fed at 
those tables over fourteen thousand solcUers. 

During the entire session of the Convention every prominent street in the city was so 
entirely filled with people as to be almost impassable. They came in a manner that would 
have delighted the gi-eat heart of the Martyr-President. They came as the heroic sons of 
the nation did, when he called for them to come with their lives in their hands to save its in. 
tegrity and insure its perpetuity. They came fi-om the humble cottages among the valleys 
of the Monongahela and Allegheny; from the workshops, the foundries, and the mines. 
They came ''as the winds come when navies are stranded," in thegrandeur and glory of theif 
might. 



26 

On Tuesday evening speeches were delivered to immense audiences by men of national 
reputation, at more than twenty dilferent places in the cities of Pittsburg and Allegheny. 
The enthusiasm was unbounded ; cheers, songs, and instrumental music filled the air during 
the entire night, and it seemed as if all had abandoned any thoughts of sleep, and had given 
themselves up to the full enjoyment of the occasion. On Wednesday morning the grand 
daylight procession was formed ; this was composed almost entirely of the Republicans of 
Pitt.sburg and Western Pennsylvania, intended for the purpose of welcoming the veterans of 
the nation to their locality ; words fail to convey any adequate idea of the magnificence of 
this display. The procession was exactly two hours and a half in passing a given point, 
and it was estimated that more than ten thousand men were in the line. Persons who had 
the opportunity to observe this grand display, expressed the opinion that it was the finest 
demonstration of the kind ever seen in the country. They saw only innuense wagons bear- 
ing emblems, the municipal and rural industries of Allegheny, some fantastic bodies of men, 
mounted delegations, and an infinite variety of people intending to participate, first moving 
in confusion through the streets, and a little while later evohang out of this chaos, like a huge 
auaconda of infinite projiortions unrolling itself, as a great long column of people in vehicles 
of every kind, embowered in evergreens, covered with fiags, amidst the most grotesque, sug- 
gestive, and indescribable associations — the whole pageant passing, in well-ordered but viva- 
cious procession, through the principal streets of both cities. 

The procession marched over the prescribed route, amid the plaudits of one hundred 
thousand spectators, to Friendship Grove, a magnificent cluster of forest trees on the outskirts 
of the city, where it disbanded for the pui'pose of listening to speeches from Gens. B. F. 
Butler, E. F. Noyes, and many others. 

The torchlight procession of Wednesday evening was the most brilliant ever witnessed 
in that city. The line was moi-e than ten mUes long, and was over three hours in passing a 
given point. An eye-witness has described it as follows ; but, to be appreciated, it should have 
been seen: — 

" Rome was an ocean of flame " — and so was Pittsburg last evening. The appeaiance 
of the city during the early hours, before the illumination began, was most inspiriting. 
Every street was jammed with ])eople, all wending their way as rapidly as possible to the 
centre of attraction — Fifth avenue. Almost every building was adorned with flags, mottoes, 
and transparencies, and nearly all prepared for the illumination at a later hour. But the 
climax was reached about seven o'clock. At that hour, Fifth avenue, which had been i-epos- 
ing in the glare of a dozen or two of street-lamps, seemed as though Plantamour's comet had 
suddenly swept over it, leaving its lustre behind ; thousands of flame-jets, of all colors, sud- 
denly flashed upon the scene, revealing the thoroughfare in all its wondrous beauty, aiid 
evoking long-continued plaudits from the one hundred thousand people who were thronging 
it. A few minutes past seven the Ninth Ward and Elizabethborough clubs — avant-couricrs 
of the grand anny of torch-bearers — essayed the passage of the avenue, as if to test the i)rac- 
ticability of forcing a passage through the dense massifs of yjeople. As they moved slowly 
along, holding aloft their blazing torches, they were greeted with tumultuous cheering, while 
red, white, and blue flames, rockets, Roman candles, etc., cast a weird-like efl'ulgence over 
the avenue and adjacent streets. At a later hour the grand procession began to move over 
ttio presciibed route, when the same scenes were repeated, only, if possible, they were inten- 
sified. 

it was a grand success. There was no blundering, no confusion. Competent men had 
pi-epared the plan, and willing hands executed it. It was creditable to the city. The fame 
of the grand disi)lay will be heralded all over the nation, and people will learn tliat the heart 
of the " Iron City " beats responsive to every sentiment of hospitality, and that nowhere 
are the "soldiers and sailors held in higher esteem." 

Of the untiring efibrts and lavish ex))('ii(liture of time and money by the citizens oi 
Pittsburg to prepare a glorious welcome for their veteran visitors, too mucli cannot be said. 
Every eoldier and sailer who was present has engraved upon his heart the kindest remem- 



'J 7 



l.mnce of the hos^pitalitv of the citv whose walls and clouds are ever black, but the hearts 
of whose people are ev^r warm. If anything can repay a man for the pain of wounds and 
dLaseeXSrthetleld. far away from the loved ones at home, it is such hearty wel- 
^nTs as were accorded them by the noble, kind-hearted men and women of Allegheny 



County. 



THE CONVENTION. 

Tuesday, September 17, 1872. 
the con-v-ention called to ordek. 
After the sin-ing of a "Song of Welcome" by the Welsh Glee Club of Pittsburg, and 
the " Star Span-d^d lianner" by a chorus composed of about one hundred singers from the 
Pittsburg choirl under the leadership of Prof. W. J. Polk, Major Samuel Harper, of Pitts- 
burg, atU o'clock, A. JL, called the Convention to order, and said:— 
REMARKS OF MR. HARPER. 
Comrades— I have the honor to introduce to you, for the purpose of extending to you 
the hospitality ot Pittsburg, our fellow comrade. General J. B. fcwutzer. 

ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 

General Sweitzer said :— , ^ , o. ♦ 

Comrades— In the name, and on behalf of the citizens of Pittsburg, and of the State 

nf Ppnnsvlvania I bid vou welcome among us. _ i ^ ^i, n <^ 

I greel y.m as the'representatives of those hosts of valiant patriots, who at the call of 

their country went foith to battle for her honor and her flag. ^ ,, , . „, „ 

Wi?h t?e nials of war now over, and in the full enjoyment of the glorious results-a 

nation saved and reunited, with all its people free-it is pleasant to come together agam- 

o keep UP the memory ot past events, to thank the Providence that has carried us, com- 

^amtiWunhaW, through years of fiery trial, and to drop a tear over those ILho"^ the 

Sue Pro^vi^lence had appointed to die, in order that a great nation might live. What rec- 

Xctions 1 ron' upon us, as we look bailc to that day-but itt e more than e even yeais 

s nce-°^.en the'bl, w struck at our countrys flag by a traitor's^ hand thrilled like an earth - 

ouake sh ck through the length and breadth of our land, and the streets of our cities rocked 

Snder the tread of"a million of men who were in arms to avenge it, when the strife was, not 

who should be excused, but only who should find a place in the ranks of its tlefenders 

Amomt the earlier of the more important engagements of the war was the battle of 
Antiet^ra on the anniversary of which we meet to-day. It occurred ,ust ten years ^ice, 
• tifi H ?;i.P.t hi.nr of the Republic. The campaign of the Peninsula had terminated Uisas- 
tlVu y and theT my o the Ktomac had been' withdrawn The Army of Virginia, under 
Pone liad been checked and driven back across the Rappahannock, and to the very ga es ot 
iope,_nau oeen cneui Sentember lHli2, saw both these armies shattered and disor- 

SbS tTe'f^iJatts'K Capital.' Such was the condition of the Union forces 
n the EiLst when the invasion of Maryland was resolved upon, and commenced by Lee- 
nnd in the nrosecution of this design the battles of South Mountain and Antietam were ought 
In X the o d li" ny of the Potomac [applause] won some of its briglitest laurels ; and 
in the laS which was one of the greatest conflicts of the war, it gained is first victory in 
a Venera en-a-ement over the adversary against which it had so long contended. 

^ To refer°to its incidents in detail-to describe the fierce struggles on the right, under 
TTaokPrfcheersl S Meade [cheers], and Mansfield, and Williams and Sumner, and 
Satklli-Kknran^^^^^^^^ of the corn-field and the lands beyond, four times lost an. 

w m the storm ngofthe bridge on the left under Burnside ong-contmued cheers]-carried 
xym, ''"^.''7"i'"°, . • " pharffe led by that ga lant Pennsylvauian, General .John 1*. 

S^rrrrtlTloud ap&el: Eenfeel of tl^ Slstl'ennsylvania Volunteers, a.d the despe- 
SrcTfiltCenLedaidconti^ ^o^e time than I am 

"""'If can i^^^be'rS'red to, as a whole, as one of the most momentous battles of the wa. 



28 

— in tlie niagnituile of the armies engaged, and in the valor displayed hj both officers and 
men — attested as it is by the fearful loss of life and the casualties on either side. Near two 
hundred thousand men and five hundred pieces of artillery were engaged for fourteen hours 
— from the first dawn of the morning till darkness enveloped the earth and ended the carnage, 
and then more than twenty-five thousand of these brave men lay dead and wounded on tliat 
sanguinary field. The Army of the Potomac held the ground their valor had wrested from 
the enemy, and was thus far declared the victor. 

And here ended the battle of Antietam. It '♦'as not renewed on the morning of the 18th. 
The troops of both armies spent the day in removing the wounded and burying their dead. 
The morning of the 19th was anxiously looked forward to as the time when the bloody strife 
would again begin ; but, alas ! the dawn of that morning revealed the fact that Lee, with his 
shattered legions, had recrossed the Potomac under cover of darkness, and was again on the 
soil of his native "Virginia. Thus ingloriously terminated this bold and desperate attempt of 
the rebel chieftain to get to the rear of Washington, to sweep victoriously on to the Susque- 
hanna, and then return and besiege Baltimore and the National Capital. 

Its results had been disastrous to him in the extreme. His supplies were exhausted. 
His ai-my was dispirited, shattered, and disorganized. His losses, since he entered Maryland, 
a fortnight before, were nearly thirty thousand men, and although his whole army was not 
captured, or ruined, as subsequent events have shown it might possibly have been, it is 
nevertheless certain that the failure of this campaign was the severest blow the rebel cause 
had yet received. A word as to the character of the contest in which you were all Lately 



The exciting cause had long existed. Its origin dated far back in the history of our 
country, even to its very beginning as a nation. In the constitution of the wisest "and best 
government God ever gave to man, our fathers made but one mistake. They fuuud an insti- 
tution here at war with the great rights of humanity, and with the very first utterances of 
their own sublime and immortal declaration ; and they could see no alternative but to accept 
it under the conviction, no doubt, that under the will of Providence and the influence of free 
institutions it would die; at all events, as it has just now done. They did not, however, 
anticipate that it was to go out in a convulsion that would rend the nation and desolate so 
mauy happy homes by carrying its children to the sacrifice, and dye its fields Avith such rivers 
of fraternal blood. It was this tolerance of evil that proved our only source of strife. It 
was in the very nature of things impossible that the conflicting principles of human equality 
and property in man should flourish side by side. It could not be otherwise than that the 
idea of ownership in the thew3 and sinews of labor should have a tendency not only to degen- 
erate labor itself, but to change tlie character of society, to engender pride, and arrogance, 
and aristocratic feeling, and distinction of caste, and to induce it to look down upon the hardy 
sons of toil — the dwellers in the F)-ee States, as an inferior race, mifit either to govern States 
or to encounter them in the field. 

It was no longer a question between the black man and the white, nor between those 
who thought there was an argument for the toleration of slavery and those who thought 
otherwise. It was a question whether the arrogant and supercilious white men of the South, 
who attected to despise the men of the free States, should be allowed to rend and destroy tlu; 
Union — that last hope of freedom to man, which had been cemented by the blood of our 
fathers upon many a hard-fought field. It was a direct challenge to every lover of liberty 
among us, whatever might have been his politics, to vindicate the right of self-government 
by showing his ability to defend it with the sword, if necessary. It was a test-question. The 
world stood waiting on the issue. The friends of liberty everywhere trembled, and the advo- 
cates of arbitrary power exulted as the scales hung doubtful in the opening of the conflict. 
The freemen of the North could not decline to meet it, and they did meet it in such way as to 
settle that question to the confusion of the enemies of free government forever. The world 
has seen nothing like the answer which they made. It was a million of men in arms, anil a 
million more if necessary. It was the last dollar and the last drop of blood, if the nation had 
wanted both for that tremendous conflict. The conflict is now over, and the root of bitter- 
ness, the germ of civil discord, is removed. We have weathered the only headland that could 
have threatened us with shipwreck. From the mighty struggle that strained our sinews to 
their utmost tension, we have come up with a new life, and a development of strength that 
has astonished the world and ourselves, and put us at the head of the great powers of Chris- 
tendom, with a now cloudless sky above us, that foretells a career of greatness, not in arms 
onl}', but in the arts of industrial life also, far beyond anything the world has ever seen. 

Was not all this worth the sacrifice ? Yes, even the sacrifice, great as it may have 
eeeiued. Of those who died, a nation saved will be the monument so long as time endures. 



29 

What hero of the past rests in a prouder mausoleum, or has done a work eo gi-eat for 
humanity as this? The dead, in such a strife, are scarcely to be mourned — for theirs is a 
cro^\•n of imperishable life. If they are not here to-day, it is only because the gloi'ies of mar- 
tyrdom were reserved for them, while we are left to share withothei-s the fruits of their great 
struggle. Houor to their memories ! 

To Tou who survive, it would be presumptuous in me to undertake to rehearse the 
stories of your marches, your bivouacs, and your battles — of your toils, your sufferings, and 
your sacrifices, during the yeare you gave to the redemption of the nation. To do so would 
require a recital of the history of the war. Their stories are already written, and will be 
read by your children as a lesson and an example. 

It only remains for me to express the wish that your visit may be pleasant and profit- 
able ; that your action while here may contribute, materially, to the maintenance of the princi- 
ples and objects for which you fought, and to the vindication of the Great Captain who led 
vou to victorj-, and who, at the head of the nation, has been as true, efficient, and successful, 
as he was at the head of its armies in the field. And, my comrades, may you long survive 
to enjoy the consciousness of duty well perfonued, and the peace you have so honorably 
earned. 

During the applause which followed General Sweitzer's remarks, General John W. 
Geary, Governor of Pennsylvania, accompanied by General Ambrose E. Burnside, of Rhode 
Island, Chaii-man of the National Committee, appeared on the stage, and both were received 
by long-continued cheers, which were renewed again and again. When silence was secured. 
Governor Geary spoke as follows : — 

SPEECH OF GOVERNOR GEARY. 

COAreADES, Ladies, axd Gentlemen — Although it is not in the programme, still, my 
friends, our worthy President has called upon me this morning, and within a few moments, 
to extend to you a few further words of welcome than those contained in the adch-ess of General 
Sweitzer. I'most cordially indorse all that was said in that excellent address, and I may say 
to vou that I most gladly appear here this morning for the purpose of meeting, face to face, so 
many of the familiar faces that I have met in times of trial and great difficulty — in the throesof 
this ration. I am glad to meet you as a citizen ; secondly, as a comrade ; thirdly, as the Chief 
Magistrate of the great State of Pennsylvania. [Applause.] I come before you this morn- 
ino-ln the name of the great commonwealth of Pennsylvania — the State in which theDeclara- 
ti<m of Independence was first promulgated— where* the bell first rang out "freedom to the 
inhabitants of the earth ! " I come before you in the name of a State that has been a State 
ot freedom and of men who were ever ready to bare their breasts for the protection of this 
glorious Union. I come before you in the name of the State that gave 366,000 soldiers for 
the preservation of the Union. [Applause.] I feel, indeed, when I hear those cheers, my 
friends, that I am in the presence of comrades that gave the good old-fashioned cheer, and not 
the wolfish howl of the rebel. [A voice—" No rebel yell here."] I am here for a purpose, 
and I don't intend to detain you but for a moment. I stand in the presence of soldiers from 
all parts of this Union, who have come here to-day in order to greet a great and illustrious 
chieftain. [Applause.] I feel that you have come here to-day to welcome another hero of 
the war, comrades — Major-General John F. Hartranft. [Applause.] My friends, I do not 
wish to detain vou here long. I have a few more words to say. [Cries of " Go on, go on."] 
I thaidv Almighty God that he has preserved so many of us to meet again on the soil of this 
good old State, Avhere we mav renew the friendships that were formed on the march, in the 
bivouac, and on ihe'field of battle. I come to extend to you, on behalf of the State I represent, 
a most sincere, cordial, and hearty welcome to the good old commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
I assure a hearty welcome to each and every one of you. Welcome, soldiers and preservers 
of this Union to Pennsylvanian soil ! yea, a thrice hearty welcome to all of you. I commit 
you to the care of my fellow-citizens of Pittsburg. I feel that they will give you a hearty 
welcome and cause it to be long remembered that the soldiers of the nation convened upon 
this day— the tenth anniversary of the battle of Antietam-that did so much for the preserva- 
tion of 'the Union and the breaking down of the rebellion. [Applause.] I hope that your 
sojourn among us will be as pleasant and agreeable to you as it will be to us. I trust that 
our meeting will be one that shall be long remembered in the heart of every true and patriotic 
soldier in this Union. 

I trust that everything will be done here that will advance the cause in our coming 
struggle, a cause in which our hearts are so deeply engaged. We feel that this is a conflict 



30 

above all others, my friends, which should determine the ffreat qiiFPtions gro^vinor out of tlr; 
war. The people of the South and the sympathizers witli the rebellion dunnj^ the Avar are 
getting up every year some new questions that ai'e to be brought before us, to show that the 
([iiestions of the war shall not be settled. We v/ant to gather and march togetlier in solid 
column, and pi'oduce such a result as will cause that question to be forever settled. In this 
glorious struggle we ever intend to meet them face to face. We will make it such a Water- 
loo, such a Gettysburg, that they — [A voice " Set Iowa down for 50,000 majority for Grant ;'' 
another voice — " Set Virginia down for 10,000 majority for Grant''] — will never do so again. 
New Hampshire has spoken, and we have heard from Coiniecticut ; the Green Mountain hoys 
have spoken, and they have told us in tones of thunder that they intend to preserve the fruits 
of victory. [A voice — " New York will put on a top-dressing of 20,(100.''] We have heard 
from Maine, and she has given such a majority as will make assurance doubly sure. A few 
weeks ago, when I was in New York, they told me New York was good for 80,000 for Greeley. 
Now they tell me the city cannot give him more than 10.000 or ir),(HI(). [A voice — " The 
little Democratic State of New Jersey will roll up a majority of 10,nU(t for Grant.'"] And I 
begin to think, my friends, that the oldest encyclopedia of all the isms of the country may 
possibly receive the vote of Kentucky. [Great api)lause.] [A voice — "We spoke from 
North Carolina last month."] Gentlemen and comrades, I i-eiterate my welcome — a thiice 
hearty welcome. [A voice — " The ])ossum policy will bury Gratz Brown, Frank Blair, and 
Carl Schurz forever bene»ith the snow-dritts."] I will add one word more to my Missouri 
friend's expression — we will all go to the faneral . [Laughter and applause.] 

On the conclusion of Governor Geary's addi-ess. General Burnside appeared, and was 
greeted with rounds of applause, cheers being also given for " Little llhody." Quiet having 
been restored, General Burnside introduced Rev. William Preston, of Pittsburg, who offered 
the following pi-ayer : — 

PRA'i'ER. 

O, Thou great Author of Creation ! we rejoice to call Tliee our Heavenly Father. Unto 
Thee shall all fie.sh come ; and we rejoice, our Heavenly Father, at the privilege of drawing 
nigh to Thy throne of grace, in the name of our Divine Redeemer, with the assurance tliat 
if we come in his name, and acknowledge Thee in all our ways, Thou wilt direct our ]iaths. 
We trust in Thy infinite mercy in Christ Jesus. We rejoice that Thou art the Lord our God, 
the God of our fathers, the (iod of our country, and the God of all Hi'sh. Wo rejoice in Thy 
precious Word, and in the atoning sacrifice of Thy Son ; tli;it 'Jliou luist so loved thf world 
as to give Thine only-begoften Son, that whosoever believeth on him might not i)erish, 
but have everlasting life. We thatik Thee for ail Thy blessinirs, for all Thy mercies; for 
the prosperity and peace in all our borders, and for the friendly relations which prevail 
between our countiy and all foreign lands. We thank Thee for the abundant harvests of the 
season, and for the prosjierous condition of the nation in all its commercial and financial 
interests. We thank Thee that Thou hast spared us from the pestilence which walketh in 
darkness, from the destruction which wasteth at noon-d.ay. All these. Father of Mercies, 
are Thy good and perfect gilts; and we call upon our souls and all that is within us to 

Ei-aise and magnify Thy glorious name, iM-.aying that Thou wouldst give us that peace .and 
lessing that Thou givest to all Thy servants. We beseech Thee give us hearts to appre- 
ciate Tliy gof>dness and mercies, and help us to live no more unto ourselves and unto the 
world, but unto Him who died for us and rose again. 

Now, otu' Heavenly Father, we pray that Thou wouldst hold in favor and bless Thy 
servant, the I'resident of these United States, and all others in aiith»rity, and so replenish 
them with the gr.oce of Thy holy Spirit, that they may always incline to Thy will ami walk 
in Thy ways. Endue them with Thy holy Sjiirit, that Thy great name shall be glorified in 
all their ways. Bless, also, we beseech Thee, the soldiers and sailors of our own country, 
and the widows and orphans of those who have passed away, and are to be seen ara<mg us 
no more. May they never be forgotten in the prayers, sympathies, and kindness of the 
nation ; and to all of us give Thy heavenly grace, that we may know and do all our duty to 
Thee, to our country, and to o'lr fellow-men. 

I$Iess us, especially, our Goil, in the forgiveness of all our sins, and with those spiritual 
blessings in Christ Jesus, which are the foretaste and pledge of our everlasting salvation. 
Bless this Convention now assembled here ; guide them in all their delilierations. May 
wisdom from on high enlighten every mind, and the snirit of true holiness reign in every 
heart, that whatsoever is done may be begun, continued, and ended in Thee, so Thy great 
ni.Jiie may be glorilied in all thing!*, through Jesus Christ, our gloiious Redeemer. 



SI 

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed he Thy name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy 
■will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive ns 
our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 

Gen. Burnside then formally called tlie Convention to order, and spoke as 
follows : — 

SPEECH OF GENKRAX BURNSIDE. 

Comrades — While in attendance as a delegate to the National Eepublican Convention in 
Philadelphia, it was suggested to me that it would he proper for veterans of the late war to 
assemble in mass convention, to express their views upon the political questions which are 
now agitating the country. Knowing as I did that the soldiers and sailors of the Union 
army entered the service of their country from patriotic motives, and, when the'r work was 
completed, returned to their peaceful pursuits without discord or commotion, and became 
quiet, peaceful citizens, and that their opinions would be respected, I at once joined heartily 
in the movement. 

A meeting of those who were attending the Philadelphia Convention, and who had been 
identified with the army and navy of the Union, was called, and a National Committee of 
Veterans was appointed for the purpose of arranging for this grand mass convention, and 
this day, as a memorable anniversary, was named as the day of meeting. 1 had the great 
honor of being named as the chairman of that committee; and I now appear before you, com- 
rades, to complete the duties which devolved upon me, by calling your Convention to order 
rnd naming to you a temporary chairman. 

It is quite "unnecessary for me to say to you that, in making arrangements for this Con- 
vention, the main part of the woi-k necessary to its success, and to your comfort and hap]ii- 
ness, has been done by the local committees, and the loyal men and women of Pittsburg and 
vicinity. [Applause."] You can all bear testimony to the great service which has been per- 
formed by Col. L. E. Dudley, the Secretary of the National Committee. 

Comrades, you have before you a great duty to perform, second only to that wiiicli 
devolved upon yon when you left'your homes to battle for the preservation and integrity of 
the nation. It "is but a few short years since you returned to your peaceful pmsuits, and 
vou now find yourselves confronted hy a formidable coalition, composed of bad and weak 
nien, who were either in open hostility "to the authority of the Government, or in active sym- 
pathy with the enemies of their country during the time of its greatest trouble. [Applause.] 

This combination has been enhanced in numbers by the desertion of a few disappointed, 
discontended, and dilapidated men who acted with the Kepublican party during the war, and 
a large majority of whom have been heavy weights upon the Eepuhlican party ever since. 
[Laughter and applause. ] 

fhad, during the war, a slight personal experience, which illustrates the course which 
these men pui'sued. All my comrades of Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana will 
remember tliat I was compelled by a sense of duty to arrest Mr. Vallandigham [loud ap- 
plause] for treasonable conduct during the war. You will also remember that I gave him 
fair warning hy issuing General Order No. 38. In disregard of that order, he continued to 
counsel resistance to the authority of the Government, and was therefore arrested. Mr. Lin- 
coln, in the kindness of his heart, urged me to release Mr. Vallandigham, and gave me the 
names of distingui.shed citizens who had told him that I had made a very sei-ious mistake in 
making the arrest, and that Mr. Vallandigham would be considered as a martyr, and that 
the political enemies of the Administration in Ohio would at once make him their standard- 
bearer as a candidate for Governor, and elect him by an overwhelming majority. [Shouts of 
"Never!" "They did not do it,"' etc.] I represented to Mr. Lincoln that I was upon the 
ground and knew the situation better than those gentlemen, and that Mr. Vallandigham 
would not be released unless superior authority so ordered. [Applause.] Mr. Lincoln^ said 
to me that he would not interfere, but had simply given advice at the instance of prominent 
citizens. Among these was Mr. Trumbull, of Illinois. [Groans and hisses.] What was 
the result of this decision of Mr. Lincoln declining to interfere, as he was urged to do by Mr, 
Trumbull and others '! Mr. Vallandigham was put forward as a candidate and was beaten 
hy that gallant old war-horse, Gov. Brough, by over one hundred thousand nuijority. [Im- 
niense applause.] The action of the people of Ohio at that time demonstrated their loyalty 
to the Government, and I doubt not that their action in the present campaign will quite as 
strongly illustrate it. [Applause, and cries of " It will ! "] 

twill not detain you, comrades, by chscussing the political questions of the day. You 
will have them fully discussed by other people wdio are skilled in public debate ; besides, I 



32 



am quitfi satisfied that yon are all fully posted upon sncli topic?. Men that have served in 
the field, and staked their live^ upon an issue so ini[.ortant to their country, cannot approach 
a political canvass like the present without appreciating keenly the real issues «i the con- 
test. It will not be amiss, however, for me to say that I join you in the belief that Gen. 
Grant has been a gallant soldier [immense a]>planse and cheer.'^] ; that he has done a service 
to his country in the field which cannot be over-estimated [applause] ; that he has conducted 
the affairs of the Government, since he has been Cliief Ma^^istrate, with great discietion and 
intcnitv, and has shown liimself in every way disposed to peace at home and abroad, and 
entirely free from personal self-seeking and aggrandizement. [Applause.] We are here to 
express to the country our continued confidence in Gen. Grant and our purpose to elect him 
as President for a second term. [Uproarious applause, shouts and cheers — tlie audience 
rising, and many waving their hats.] And we are fortunate in having associated with him 
a man who has always been our staunch friend, and has, as a legislator, shown the greatest 
wisdom and integrity. [Ai)i)lanse.] 

I am quite sure that we will not make ourselves misunderstood to-d.ay by expressnig 
any ill-feeliuLr towards our late enemies in the field, because we have no such ill-feeling. \ye 
know that the hatchet is buried, and we are disposed to do all in our power to co-operate with 
people in all sections of our land in fonvarding the prosperity of our country. But for rulers, 
comrades, let us select men who in the hour of their country's iieril were true. | Applause.] 
Let us, of all things, refuse our support to men who believed that there was right in secession! 
[Shouts of applause.] 

And now, comrades of Pennsylvania, I desire to express to you a hope that comes trom 
mv heart. Gen. Hartranft [enthusiastic applause], your candidate tor Governor, is my 
old comrade and tried fiuend. [Applause.] He went into the field with us at the first battle 
of the war, and joined the North Carolina expedition at Annapolis. From that tune until the 
end of the war we were together; on the fields of Roanoke, Newberne, South Mountain, 
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Knoxville, Campbell's Station, Blue Sirring, the 
Kapidan campaign from the Wilderness to Appomattox Court-House [applause], he jiroved 
hiniself an etiicient and gallant soldier. Comrades of Penn.sylvania, it is clearly your duty, 
without reference to politics, to see that so gallant and true a comrade is not harnvcl by the 
malicious slanders of designing politicians. [Three immense cheers were here given tor Gen. 
Hartranfl.] You have but for a moment to think of the course pursued during the war by 
his opponent, Mr. Buckalew, in order to find the strongest reason for the firm support ot 
Hartranfl. [Applause.] , i w .• e 

Comrades, my pereonal duties require me to leave you before the deliberations ol your 
mt-eting are concluded. As yon all know, I am engaged in civil pursuits ; I have never in 
my life solicited on office, and never expect to. I can therefore speak to you my unbiased 
sentiments. I beg of you to make every honest etfort to re-elect Gen. Grant and to elect 
Gen. Hartranft to the office of Governor of the great Commonwealth ot 1 ennsylvama. 
[Renewed shouts of applause, and cheers.] , ^t • i n 

It gives me great pleasure, comrades, to announce to you that the National Committee 
propo-es to vou as your temporary chainnan, our gallant comrade, so well known to everv 
soldier in the land. Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, of Connecticut. [Loud and prolonge.l cheering. J 

Gen. I-Liwley's name was greeted vnt\x loud and continued applause, aiul a.* 
he appeared on the platform the cheering was again renewed. He spoke a? 
follows : — 

GENERAL HAWLEY'S SPEECH. 

Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, of Connecticut, was then chosen temporary chair- 
man, aud came forward, 'when he was greeted with '< Three cheers tor Gen. 
Hawley," which were given with a will. He then said :— 

COMKADES AND FELLuW-CmzKNS-I judge, from the aspect of the great city- 
from the multitudes that throng its streets, and the continuous roll of drums and these 
creat cheers, that a certain statesman of the land is slightly mistaken Ihe time for the 
soldier has come. [Applause.] The time for the soldier is now, and always will be in tins 
land [cries of ' That's so"], not to be called to the battle-field, 1 trust, perhaps, never again. 
I hope this may always be the land of pence, and there will always be occasion here tor 
hat spirit of patriotism and self-sacrificing loyalty to the country-that devot^Hl attach- 
ment to republican principles, that love of order, and civil law, and peace, that distinguishes 
the American soldier-the spirit of the army, that we are thinking of, not tlie army 
organization. This distinguished statesman has told us the time for the soldier has passed. 



S3 

I tliiiik. judging by the slanders and these malignant attacks on General Grant, that the 
spirit of the" rebellion is still rife. They say that the doctrine of secession is now at rest, 
and that the policy of the nation is unduly severe and harsh towards the men wlio were 
engaged in the late re'oellion — that the time for the soldier to appear as a patriot and 
voter has come again. We have heard "that the pen is mightier than the sword ; " so it is 
in the long run. Charles Sumner has been an eloquent and powerful advocate of the 
principles over which this great contest was fought. The sword was merely used as a last 
resort in deciding this contest of ideas. 

Half a generation has passed over our heads in discussing this question. The contest 
was as fierce in the Senate-chamber and on the field of politics as it was on the battle-field. 

Now, then, to remove the presence of the soldier is an offense_ to those, who were 
defeated. What shall we say in the jjresence of his assertion, and in the presence of an 
orator who is no less distinguished for his part in the Grant campaign, and loose men who 
are crying and lamenting, as Horace Greeley laments in his letter of acceptance to the 
Baltimore Convention, and that where the spirit of rebellion is unable to send to places of 
trust — Palmer, Davis, Breckenridge, every man of them rebels. 

This same Horace Greeley is the man who desires Jefferson Davis and Breckenridge 
to be returned to the II. S. Senate. I want to know which is the greatest offense, the 
presence of Grant or Sumner? To have a regimental Hag, with its inscription, is out of 
place, as Sumner says. If it be out of place, then Grant is the flag bearing the odious 
inscription ; then, if we have to remove Grant, then let us remove Sumner and his teu 
volumes of orations ; also you must level every grave. That will furnish a reminder of 
their vnnqviished enemy. This is what Sumner speaks to us : You must remove every 
monument of the old contest. 

These men who, ten years ago, went to the front and periled their lives in the defense 
«f the country, are to be told, it is said, to take back seats — go to the rear, lest, indeed, 
their presence may be offensive to' those who were loyal in the rebellion. Of all the charges 
that this combination make against us, none is to me more offensive than that— that we 
are actuated by some spirit of hate and by a policy of revenge. Now, we may safely say, 
that we challenge the history of any country to produce such a record as ours -such a 
record of magnanimity expressed by this Union. 

Wherever we went in the Soutla we fed the women and children whose husbands and 
brothers were engaged iu rebellion against the Government. 

I remember well a little chapter in my own experience in Wilmington, North 
Carolina, of receiving ten thousand men from Andersonville, whom we fed, and also fed 
seven thousand white ^vomen, a majority of whom had relations in the rebellion. Was 
that the spirit of hate, or the policy of revenge 1 And when the last day of the contest 
came, and General Grant went modestly under the apple-tree at Appomattox and conducted 
the services of surrender, what did tliis nation, through its chosen chief soldier, do? — this 
nation that had sacrificed five thousand millions of dollars and half a million of lives — 
this Union that then had within its grasp the last of the rebellion — what did it do ? What 
did it say to those men? It let them go to their homes, not to be molested by the United 
States authorities so long as they obeyed the laws. Was that the spirit of hate? [Cheers]. 
Was that the spirit of revenge? [Cries of "No ! no !"] And the great soldier of the land 
said this to the civilians of the land. Many of them were clamorous for revenge, and men 
reproached him, and rebuked him for his excessive clemency. 

After the papers were signed. General Lee turned to General Grant and said : " General 
Grant, theie is one thing I had forgotten ; the papers are signed ; it is, perhaps, too late 
now; it is this: I was about to observe that many of our men in the ranks own their 
horses, both in the artillery and cavalry. I would ask that they might have them, as you 
have permitted the oflicers to take their side-amis." 

"No matter about the papers," said General Grant; "I will give orders to the officers 
to let these men take their horses home with them ; they will need them in the spring 
ploughing." [Cheers.] 

There was a great army, victorious and triumphant, the army of the Unite'd States, 
and these men would have us believe that our spirit was the same then as it is to-day, and 
the same to-day as it was then : that they are animated by a spirit of hatred and revenge ; 
was this saying to these men who were engaged in the war, go home, rest at peace, just 
obey the laws, and take your horses home with you, and feeding them too, the men dividing 
their haversacks with them [cheers], and that too by the thousands- these same rebel 
soldiers had been taught to hate the Yankees, but this act caused the tears to pour down 
their cheeks. This was an inexpressible magnanimity. Was this a policy of hate or 

3 



revenge? No; we are the same to-day as then. Did we confiscate property? No. Did 
we banish them? Never a man of them. Several thousand ot them folt a bitter hatred to 
the old flag, and swore thev would never live under its folds. They l>anisl)ed thenisM-lves 
to South America. In a siiort time many of these men were hungry, raggoil, and home- 
sick, and Uncle Sam brought them home free by the hundreds. Was this, again, the policy 
of hate or revenge? 

Yes, comrades, this was our government. This was our Republican party goverain,!^ 
the Union then; and, when a grievous visitation of Providence bi'ought starvation to \\ie 
South, our Congress, by our own free will, voted, one session, five millions of dollars to feed 
them. The ])urses of the North were opened, and the granaries discharged of theli- 
benefits. This, indeed, was not the policy of liate and of i-evenge. 

We have one request indeed to make of these men. We have but one disability, one 
link of appi'oval remairiing Only one statute remains -one act of legislation to show the 
sense of this nation that this gi'eat "rebellion was a crime. That is the temjiorary seclusiou 
from otfice of a few, a ver_y few of the guilt}'- superiors, the teriibly guilty lea<h>rs who 
dragged their piMjple into this awful slaughter. Wo say to some of them — less tlian three- 
hundred remain now — you caimot hold otfice again until Congress jiennits. We have one 
thing to say to these men. We had, at the close of tlie Avar, really but one thing to ask of 
them. Every step of reconstructed legislation, every act taken by the Ke})ublican Con- 
gress, every act, and every order of General Grant, has had in view this — tlie safety of the 
lives and the persons and the property of our loyal brothers at the South. 

We have confiscated no property and banished nobody. We whi])|)ed no one, drowne:l 
no one, wo have hanged no one. Gentlemen, men who were in the i-ebellion, can you say 
as mucli for yourselves since the war? [Cries of "No, no."] Have you done none of 
these things to our friends dowji there ? K we have ever been angry, it is these which have 
filled us with righteous indignation after the flag marcljed in triumph over every foot of 
Southern soil — ailer you have professed to have siirrendered in good faith, and to have 
accepted the situation. Week after week, and month after month the cry canu' up, and was 
from many of the white regions in the South, that the loyal white men and the j)Oor black 
men were taken from their homes — were scourged — were sometimes drowned, s<)nieti!ne8 
banished, sometimes hanged — that they could not enjoy their homes or raise theii- crops in 
peace ; that they could not hold Republican meetings, or any meetings in honor of the llag. 
This lias been the complaint from month to month and year to year. If we have some 
harshness in our legislation, it was that this might be prevented. Why, in the name of 
God and humanity, was this just and fair to these men, and why do they come to us with 
the pretense of shaking hands across the bloodier chasm, when there is a chasm and a 
bloody chasm at their own door— a chasm of their own making, which Ave shall have to 
bridge over. Do that first, and you Avill find the great heart of the North, Avhere it has 
been aching to haA^e all men pi-aying for the day when justice and peace may ]irevail every- 
Avhere; and the answer to all the appeals of these men, in answer to all tlieir cries, I have 
but one thing to say, I Avould placard it upon all cross-roads. I avouM put it upon every 
court-house. I Avould print it upon every door in the South. I would have it Avhere 
every one might read it: "Do unto others as you Avould have others do unto you." 
[Great cheers.] 

I say I shall not think of eulogizing here Ulysses S. Grant before these soldiers. 
[Cheers.] There is not an audience in this land 'that needs it less. There are jieople, 
hoAvever, that ought to be reminded of Avhat he has done for the country. [Laughter.] 
There are men Avho are famous as defenders of the land, whose 6])eeches are daily 
filled, and ])aper8 Avhose columns are croAvdcd with defamation of the man. 

Thev look in a\ the back door of his house, they peep into his cellar, they smell about 
his stabl'es, they hunt for the title-deeds of his lands, they search through the certificates 
of stock that he may hold, they sutler no relation of life to be met Avithoiit putting up()n it 
the venomous stain of their slander. There iieA'er has been a presidential candidate, since 
the organization of the Government, so venomously, unceasingly, and unforgivingly pursued. 
I beg for'him, in the name of the memories of the past — 1 beg for General Grant something 
of that universal amnesty of Avhich they are talking. [Cheers.] Forgive him! Foi'giye 
him! [Cheers and laughter.] 1 le may "sometimes have erred. lie may have made a mis- 
take. He may not be absolutely beaut"itul or sublimely porfect. [Laughter.] There never 
was but one man Avbo was pcrfcrt. General Grant may have erred sometinnes in the appoint- 
ments he has made." Alas! I know that the cry of li'is enemies is that he did make many 
mistakes; but I say Ave can afford to overlook seme things, and Ave must remind these men 
of some tilings also that he has done for the land. They say he is a man of no capacity. 



3D 

Tliere are several tlionsands of us wlio started early in the war as captains and as colonels 
One of tlieni went up and up and up ; and again, by the unanimous cry of his party, he was 
sent up again until he was called to Washington, and the httle man, as "he gave him' his coni- 
inission said : " Take tliis ; as the peo]ile now trust you, so under God they will sustain you," 
a;id then every loyal lieai-t in this land prayed God that this little man, who seemed to have 
been brought from obscurity to save us and to lead us to triumph, would succeed; and when 
iie went down to the Wilderness we knew there was fighting to be done Then, my com- 
rades, you of the Western armies know that there was a soldier over the army of the" Poto- 
mac and that there was a man at the head who meant work. [Cries of " Good " and cheers.] 
There was a little man who meant vicluiy, and we all knew that if ever this country was to 
be saved it was to be saved in those months. On the first, second, and third of May, 18G-i. 
w-e hastily perfected our muster-rolls, we gathered our clothing and ))rovisions, aiid sent 
hack our surplus baggage. We hurried off the long roll. How many gallant boys heard 
their names called for the last time that night. Next morning all along the great circle 
we started forward and fouglit in the Wilderness, over miles of broken land, where a man 
could no more than see his comrade. We were slaughtered that da_y, and the next day, and 
the next. The fourth day and the fifth we fought until the darkness fell upon us. ' They 
tlid not know what we were doing or what we might do. Able men came to Grant and said": 
" General, we must stop a day or two. We must indeed bury these dead men ; we must, in- 
deed ; really, we cannot go on. We need more clothing. We must halt." Said the great 
general, •' You have done very Avell so far — very well under all the circumstances. To- 
morrow morning at half-past three the army goes forward " [great cheering] ; and, terrible as 
the slaughter was, as you answer now to the memory of it, so the great heart of the nation 
answered, " Go on," and on the night of the sixth day he wrote a little dispatch : " Our losses 
have been severe ; we have captured J(dnisou's division and two brigades besides, and we have 
taken about thirty pieces of artillery, and it seems to be with us. I shall fight it out on this 
line, if it takes all sununer." [Renewed cheering.] 

I wonder if all these enemies of Grant remember how they felt in those days — followed 
him through the Wilderness to the Appomattox, of which we have spoken. As a soldier he 
was ever3'thing the crisis demanded ; as a victor, after dictating terms never equaled for 
magnanimity, instead of affordmg him triumph or even time to rest, he started right from 
Richmond, and took his bag and started for Wasliington. [Cheers.] He started for Wash- 
ington,and telegraphed to stop expenses; and whatever his course has been, it has been 
marked throughout with forbearance ; whatever has been done has been done for peace, life, 
and prosperity throughout the land. Now, a single Vord and I am done. [Cries of " Go on."] 
The election of a candidate in the field against General Grant would have several meanings. 
I give as the first of them, it would be the triumph of a man who beheves in the theoretical 
meaning of secession. Now. I apjjeal to the files of the Tribune for the winter of 1860 and 
1861, for the countless declarations to that effect. They are known to the people of the laud. 
[A voice, " And the year '6.i also."] You are right ; all along through the war. And if it 
he said that these declarations of the newspaper press may not be directly authorized by him ; 
it" it be said these were the sentiments then entertained, and since laid aside, I appeal to the 
history of the '•' American Conflict," written since the great struggle was over — deliberately 
in review of the principles and acts of the great struggle— many years back ; in the fii-st 
volume, on the 39th page of the book, if I remember rightly, he says in substance: "If any 
considerable number of States desire to go out, let them go, and I would resist all measures 
devised to keep them in by force." [Cries of " ISIever," and hisses.] This was the sentiment 
of Horace Greeley ; and with a full knowledge of what I am saying — and I feel the conscious- 
ness of the presence here, and I am fully aware of these busy pens and wires — I say to you 
here, that whatever there be left of the 'spirit of rebellion in this land to-day, these are the 
sentiments of Horace Greeley ; and if he be elected, there will be a man in the presidential 
chair entertaining in substance the sentiments of James Buchanan ; and with these declara- 
tions in view, in the event of another insiu-rection, Horace Greeley would say the same thing 
as James Buchanan. It is impossible to see how we could call upon him at the first symptom 
of insurrection to put it dowi. It has another significance now. We may differ about the 
details of amnesty. We are all well agreed in this, that if entire perfect peace and justice 
would really and thoroughly be established in the South, it would bring very soon an entire 
amnesty. And we are also perfectly aware that the day has not come for that state of affairs. 
Horace Greeley, by his letter of acceptance addressed to the Baltimore Convention, dwells 
at some length upon the harshness of forbidtUng the peo]>le of the South to choose its men to 
rule over them— there being only three hundred so excluded. According to Horace Greeley, 
there is a desh-e to elect these three hundred with Jeff. Davis at their head. He stands ns tlie 



36 

peculiar representative of tliat sentiment, and the election of Horace Greeley will be to say that 
we ;;re willing for those men to come back to ])laces of power. [Cries of " No, no."] 

Thirdly, the elevation of Horace Greeley would mean this, that the nation has been unduly 
harsh and unjustly severe in dealing with the rebels. That is one of the greatest points, 
perhaps the chief point made by them against us. If we are unduly harsh and unjustly se- 
vere in dealing with the rebellion, it is not the Republican party alone, hut the nation ; for 
the policy of the Union has been, during those eleven years, not to confiscate or take away 
their property; they have not hanged a man or tried a man for treason. Has this great na- 
tion been severe in dealing with them f Is that the judgment of the past eleven years"? The 
uati()n is asked as a jury to send in a verdict that this party is tried, and is found too cruel 
to continue in power. Will the people of this country give that verdict? [Cries of "No, 
no."J 

But further : there is one other point that the success of our enemies would decide. One 
other paragraph in the verdict of the elevation of Greeley would be to say that General Grant 
is found personally unworthy of his high position. Is not that so V Do not all their writers 
and their presses dwell largely, to the exclusion, I might say, of other things, upon the 
pers(jnal unfitness and personal unworthiness of General Grant? Then the triumph of our 
opponents would be the decision of these few points. 

Now, gentlemen, it is entirely competent and proper for us, who have been .soldiers, to 
have soldiers rule over the American people. We are not seeking to inaugurate a civil war, 
and we are not seeking to inaugurate a policy of hate and revenge; but we have come here 
to ask for those rights for which our brothers died, and that they shall not be ])eriied by 
the wiles of scheming and corrupt politicians. Now, I have entertained you too long al- 
ready, and we will proceed to the deliberations of the Convention. 

Thi'ee cheers were proposed for General Hawley, and given witli a will. 

CALL OF THE COXVENTION. 
At the conclusion of General Hawley's address the call for the Convention was read by 
Col. James Corcoran, of Williamsport, Pa., the temporary Secretary of the Convention. 
After the reading of the call. Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary of the Veterans' National Com- 
mittee, presented to the Convention a huge roll of manuscript, which he partially unrolled. 
Col. Dudley was greeted with cheers, in recognition of the services be has rendered in or- 
ganizing the Convention. He spoke as follows; — 

REMARKS OF COLOXEL DtTDLEY. 

Comrades— ^As Secretary of the Veterans' National Committee, I desire to present a 
roll of signatures of our comrades throughout the country who have opproved the call which 
has just been read. The roll is at least six hundred feet long, containing upwards of fifty 
thousand names. I hope, Mr. Chainnan, as I am very hoarse, that you will excuse me 
from reading the names. [Laughter and applause.] 

temporary organization. 
The States and Territories were then called, and each delegation named one person to 
act as temporary Vice-President and one as Secretary. The list, when completed, was as 
follows : — 

New Hampshire — S. L. Guff, V. P. ; Maj. E. Vaughn, Sec. 

Massachusetts — Capt. D. G. McNamara, V. P.; Lieut. O. Chamberlain/ Sec. 

Connecticut— Lieut. F. M. Welsh, V. P. ; Sergt. E. A. Perrv, Sec. 

New Jersey— Col. A. Way, V. P. ; J. G. Ogden, Sec. 

Pennsylvania — Col. Wm. McMichael, V. P^; Col. J. Cochrane, Sec. 

Ohio— Capt. P. G. Watmough, V. P. ; A. A. Graham, Sec. 

Indiana — Gen. K. Williams, V. P.; Sertrt. A. Sabine. Sec. 

Iowa— Col. H. R. Stewart, V. P. ; J. R. Hammond, Sec. 

Michigan— Gen. W. A. Throop, V. P. ; Gen. F. M. Switl, Sec. 

Wisconsin— Capt. II. W. Walbridge, V. P. ; Capt. T. Kay, Sec. 

Illinois— E. J. Rook, V. P. ; Gen. D. E. N. M:igee, Sec. 

Jlississippi — C. E. Pierce. V. P. ; S. B. Sturtevant, Sec. 

Kansas — Mai. J. C. Wilkijisham. V. P. : K. J. Brown. Sec 



37 

Califoraia — Capt. Hartrayer, V. P. ; W H. Lowrie, Sec. 

Delaware — Capt. N. Bayne, V. P. ; Capt. E. C. Stakenburg, Sec. 

Matvlaud — Col. W. H. .Soudermilk, V. P. ; Capt. J, R. Kinney, Sec. 

Virginia— Maj. E. E. White, V. P. ; Maj. C. C. Miller, Sex;. 

North Carolina — Sergt. G. L. Mobson, V. P. 

Georgia — Col. G, J. Taggart, V. P. ; Capt. F. Hillgart, Sec. 

Alabama— Gt;n. J. W. Burke, V. P. ; Capt. G. H, I'atrick, Sec. 

Florida — Gen. C. M, Hamilton, V. P. 

Kentucky— Gen. S. K Pri^e, Y. P. ; Col. C. P. Willcox, Sec. 

Mississippi- J. C. Tucker, V. P. ; C. W. Clark, Sec. 

Louisiana — Sergt. C. P. Darreli, V. P. ; Capt. W. H. Wharton, Sec. 

Texas— Gen. A, G. Maloy, V. P. ; Capt. T. D. Mitchell, Sec. 

West Virginia— Gen. H, Duvall, V. P. ; Capt. C. J. Eavvruis, Sec. 

Rhode Island— Col John McCalmut, V. P. ; Gen. K. il. H(.yt, Sec. 

South Carolina— Maj. E. II. Willoughby, V. P. ; Capt. N. K. Reed, Sec. 

THE FLAG OF FORD's THEATKE. 
Gen<?raJ Hawley here arosie and called tlie attention of the Convention to a large silk 
fflag hanging from one of the upper private boxes, of which he said : " You will remember, 
when Abi-aham Lincoln was assassinated there hung above the stage-box in which he sat a 
'ilarge flag, which vindicated itself and became the means by which the assassin was finally 
brought to Hierited punishment" 

LETTEK FROM PEESIDEXT GKANT. 
The following letter was then read to the Convention. When the Secretary had finished 
reading it, long and continued cheers were given ior the writer. 

Long Branch, N. J., Sept. 9, 1872. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee : 

Dear Sir— I am in receipt of your letter of the 4th inst., extending to me, by your 
committee, a pres.sing invitation to attend the grand Mass Convention of Veteran Soldiers, 
to be held in the city of Pittsburg on the 17th in.st. 

My desire to attend, and meet again so many old companions in arms, is very great, but 
my judgment tells me to leave the celebration entirely to those whose motives cannot be 
misunderstood. I know of no class of citizens better entitled to meet in convention and 
lo have weight accorded to their views on all national matters there expressed, than tl:e 
veteran soldiers whorisked their lives for the honor and perpetuity of their country. I am 
sure your councils will be marked by wisdom and patriotism, and that the meeting of so 
many comrades will be a joyous and an advantageous one. I wish for you all that vou 
expect from your meeting of the 17tli inst., and only regret that I cannot be with yoii on 
that occasion. 

With great respect, your obedient servant, 

U. S. GRANT. 

At half-past one, P. M,, the Convention adjourned, to meet again at three o'clock. 



AFTERNOON SESSION. 

At three o'clock General Hawley called the Convention to order, A choir, composed 
of one hundred gentlemen and ladies, on the stage, led by Prof. William Pope, sano- tiie 
^' Battle-cry of Freedom," accompanied by Conner's baud, of Nevv^ York, the whole audience 
joining in the chorus. General Hawlej-, waving his handkerchief; kept time, and the inspir- 
ing strains thrilled every heart in the immense audience. At the close three loud and Ion" 
cheers were given, as much in appreciation of the music as in tlianks to the musicians. 

During the interval which was ' necessitated bj the coi-rection of lists of temporary offi- 
cers, Major Willard Bullard, of New York, read the following letter from General .Daniel E. 
Sickles. The name of General Sickles was greeted with the wannest euthusiasui, as also 
She names of Generals Hawley, Burnside, and Logan, who rose and bowed in acknowledg- 
aient of the lienor done them;— 



LETTER OV GENERAL SICKLES. 

Madrid, Saturday, AugiiBt 24, 1^72. 
Comrades — Official duties far away from home prevent my acceptance of the invitation 
to address your meeting. 

You, who luive sustained by your vote and voice the noble cause for which you fought, 
have been told you must congratulate yourselves when you see the capitulation of Appo- 
mattox in ■tjr> toilowfd by the surrender at Baltimore in '72. You have noticed some susj)i- 
cious tactics about that" surrender. At the mcmient when the enemy drop tlieir Hag and 
adopt yours, they advance to the attack. This is an old trick often tiied in the war. The 
Democrats say they have adopted Kepublican princi[)les and Kepublican candidates, but the}'- 
mean to destroy the Kepublican party. They admire your camp, but they modestly think 
thev are worthier than you to occu)\y it. 

* You are told that you must again reach across the bloody chasm and shake hands with 
the other side. You have done it already. Everybody is torgiven who has asked forgiveness. 
The unrepentant few who stand out defy the judgment of their country and of mankind. 
Let them wait. Neither honor nor duty demand more than has been magnanimously given 
to those who contrived the ruin and disgrace of their country. Mr. Greeley argues that we 
must open the doors of the White House to Jeff. Davis before Ave can have peace. If this is 
what is meant by "reconciliation," it seems to me that Mr. Greeley and Mr. Sumner wasted 
breath in resisting the policy of Andrew Jolmson, and owe that persecuted gentleman a peu- 
itential jnlgrimage to his retreat in Tennessee. 

Gen. Schurz tells us Grant is too much of a soldier to be a good president. Such, I am 
persuaded, is not the public judgment. Gen. Schurz should study his logic before bringing 
such an argument to Republicans, for he helped to elect Grant in 'tiH. Nor can it have 
weight with Democrats, since they all supported McClellan in '154. Ask Illinois if Logan is 
less^vorthy of lier trust because lie led an army corps in the West. Ask Wisconsin if Fair- 
child failed as her Governor because he bore her tiag in battle. Ask ]\Iaine if she regrets 
tiie honors bestowed on Chamberlain. Ask Connecticut if she admires Hawley more in the 
field than in council. Ask Rhode Island whether her chivalrous Burnside made a bad Gov- 
ernor because he was a good soldier. 

Gov-ernor Fenton leaves the Republican party because he desires to purify the National 
Government. You can estimate his sincerity and success wlien you see that he has secured 
for his enterprise the aid of Tammany Hall ! Our people do not sacrifice their convictions 
to leaders, no matter how eminent. Soldiers will not desert Grant to follow Schurz ! The 
colored ])eopl(' will not follow even Sumner to Jeff. Davis ! Reformers will not follow Fen- 
ton to Tanunany Hall ! 

It is ditticult to understand Mr. Greeley's platform of "reconciliation," j\-hich consists 
in abandoning his oldfi-iends to embrace his old enemies. Nor is it easy to accept Mr.Sum- 
ner's new revelation of peace, whidi denounces ''a |)olicy of hate" in terms of passionate 
resentment against the President and his sujjpoiters. 

Jlr. Greeley, as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency, hails his new supporters as 
the best Republicans he has ever seen. If the Re))ubliean Conventicjn at I'liiladelphia had 
nominated Horatio Seymour, it may be presumed he Avould have found that body more 
democratic than the Democratic Convention at Baltimore. 

Mr. Greeley, although gifted with remarkable talents, is not fit for the Presidency. As 
a member of Congress and of the convention called to amend the Constitution of New York 
— the principal public employments he has filled— Mr. Greeley failed to eijual the expecta- 
tions suggested by liis success as a journalist. Powerful as an agitator, it is precisely in the 
qualities iieccssary for the direction of ailairs that Mr. (ireeley has shown no aptitude. As a 
leader he lacks tenacity of purpose, and at ciitical moments he is deficient in fortitude. For 
example : In 1^61, when the South detennined to fight for slavery. Mr. Greeley, who liad 
done as much as anybody to precipitate the conflict, advised acquiescence when the rebels, 
with arms in their h'ands' demanded sei)aration from the Union. In 18(i4, when our cause 
moi-e than ever needed firmness in council and vigor in action, ^Ir. (ireeley, dismayed aiid 
d.-moralized by the ditlicuhies of the situation, advised— nay. insisted, witli all the authority 
(.this position", that Piesideiit Lincoln should negotiate witli the enemy. At that junctui-e 
his advicfe was like that given in the platform adopted by the Nortliein Democrats, in the 
same year, at Chicago — with the difference that, while they had coiisistently o))posed the war 
in all its stages, Mr, Greeley vibrated between iitipatient deuuuids for the prosecution of hos« 
tiliiies und discouraging apjjeals to accept a difcieditable Deuce, 



And now, after sustaining all the reconstruction measures of tlie Republican party, after 
pressing Congress to enact laws to pi-otect the rights of the enfranchised freedmen, he 
changes front, and, adopting the old State Eights dogma of the Democratic party, maintains 
that all guaranties for personal rights must be sought exclusively in the State Governments. 
To these indications of a volatile character, without adhesiveness to convictions, might be 
added various proofs of his present indifference to objects that, sixty days ago, he professed 
to believe of prune importance — such, for instance, as the maintenance of a protective tariff 
and the ascendency of the Republican party — the political organization and the one measure 
ol political economy with which he has been heretofore consistently identified. 

These latter tergiversations unhappily coincide with his nomination for the Presidency 
by a party which he had for many years opposed with notable vehemence. Whether such 
incidents point to weakness of purpose or the temptations of ambition, or whether, as may be 
more leniently supposed, the Republican party has outlived Mr. Greeley's liking for it, are 
matters about which there is much speculation. It is enough to affirm that Mr. Greeley's 
attitude as a candidate, regarded either as a stratagem to gain power, or as a sudden con- 
version to new opinions, shows him to be unworthy of the support of any Republican and 
unworthy of the confidence of any Denocrat. 

The new institutions of the Republic are only safe while guarded by the gi-eat party 
that created them. Until the tardy acquiescence of the Democratic paity in the letter of 
these enactments shall be followed by their voluntary incoi^ioration in the legislation of the 
States controlled by Mr. Gi'eeley's new fi'iends, it is impossible to separate the issues of the 
day from the issues of the war. The re-election of Gen. Gi'ant is as essential to establish the 
Government ou the sure foundations of the amended Constituti(jn, as the re-election of Mr. 
Lincoln v/as necessary to the preservation of the Union. We have given immunity for the 
past — we must have security for the future. 

If the Democratic Legislatures of Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware had passed Mr. 
Sumner's Ciyil Rights bill ; if the last Democratic Legislature of N^ew York liad not endeav- 
ored impotently to recall the assent given by their Republican predecessors to the Fifteenth 
Amendment to the Constitution; if the Democratic member.s of the House of Repi-esentatives 
iiad not refused again and again to sanction the laws passed by Congress to execute the late 
amendments to the Federal Constitution, it might not demand excessive credulity to believe 
the recent action of the Baltimore Convention to be something else than a shallow election- 
eering contrivance. 

As it is, we must believe that, as the rebel armies surrendered when fui'ther resistance 
"was impossible, and not until then, .so the Democrats nominated Mr. Greeley because they 
•had lost all hope of defeating Gen. Grant by any choice tb.ey could make from theii- own 
ranks. Both the convention and the candidate have exhibited unusual facility of adaptation 
to their new situation. They unite iu a i-eciprocal amn&sty foi- the past, from which only 
Gen. Grant and the Republican party are excluded. They pledge an irrevocable fellowship 
lor the future, which depends on no other contingency than their success in ascertaining 
•whether the Democrats became Republicans when they nominated Mr. Greeley, or whether 
Mr. Greeley became a Democi-at when he accepted their nomination. 

Comrades ! you saw the same coalition and heard the same appeals in 1SG6, when 
Presideut Johnson "swung around the circle." Mr. Seward once gave to a similar move- 
ment the sanction of his great name. In 1868 Justice Chase was a candidate for Democratic 
favor on tlie same plan of operations. The most successful column always loses a few strag- 
glers. The Republican party survived the desertion of Johnson, the hostility of Seward, and 
the conversion of Chase. The campaigns of ISoH and l<3b8 were not seiiously affected by 
any of these casualties, because the measures of the Republican party satisfied the country. 
It reniiuus to be seen whether Mr. Greeley, Mr. Sumnei-, Mr. Trumbull, and Mr. Fenton 
exercise the control over public opinion which is claimed for them. 

No Republican can fairly complain that Gen. Grant has not adhered faithfully to the 
principles asserted by tlmt organization. In his great office he has shown judgment, firm- 
iiess, and moderation. Indifferent to the exaggeration and detraction always heard in the 
discussions of any excited canvass, the " sober second tliought " of the people will prove 
that they are neither ungrateful nor unjust in their apijreciation of a great soldier and a wise 
ruler. Grant has never lost a battle nor betrayed a cause. Let us follow him once more to 
victory ! Faithfully youi-s, 

* ' D. E. SICKLES. 

COL- L, E. Dudley, Secretary Veterans' National Committee, New York. 



40 

FR(;.M THE soldiers' HOME, DAYTOX, OIIIO. 

The following telegi-am of greeting was also read : — 

Daytox, Ohio, Sept. 17, 1872. 
Gen. a. E. Burnside, National Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention : 

Tlie Union Soldiers of the National Asylum send creetings to their comrades assembled 
God grant you may have prosperity, unanimity, and victory. 

C. H. FERNOLD, 
President Grant and fVilson Club, National Soldier^ Home. 

LETTER FROM SCHUYLER COLFAX. 

The follovffng letter from Schuyler Colfax was received with cheers : — 

South Bend, Ind., September i:{. 187-2. 
Mil Dear Mr. Dudley — I appreciate highly the honor of your invitation to tin; Soldier's' 
and Sailors' Cotivention at Pittsburg on the 17th inst., but regret that I cannot lie present, 
having promised to be in Northern Michigan with my family at that time. In thednrk 
days, wiien the unity and nationality of the Republic were imperiled, tbev were at the 
perilous front. In these brighter days of peace, it is but fitting that they should have front 
Beats, and realize also the justice and gratitude of their countrymen. 

Yours trulv, 

SCHUYLER COLFAX. 
To Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary, etc. 

LETTER from GENERAL 8IGEL. 

The following letter was greeted with great enthusiasm by the Conven- 
tion: — 

New York, September 13, 1872. 

Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary Soldiers' and Saihrs' National Committee : 

Dear Sir — Your kind letter inviting me to be present at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Con- 
vention at Pittsbuig on the 17th inst., is received. I remember with pride and pleasure the 
first great convention held in that same city, in September, IBtJG, wlien resolutions were 
passed indorsing the policy of Congress, and especially the passage of the Fourteenth 
Amendment by that body. At that time there was no doubt in our mind that certain con- 
stitutional guaranties were necessary to prevent reaction, define American citizenship, and 
create a uniform s^'stem of national representation throughout the Republic. 

The work of the Convention was good and noble, but it is a remarkable fact that only 
in 18G8, two years afterward, the Foiu-teenth Amendment was ratified, while it took two 
years more (March 3tl, 1870) before the Fifteenth Amendment, in i-egai-d to universal suf- 
friige, was finally adopted. 

There was one fierce and continuous political struggle for more than five years after 
the war was closed — in Congress, in the press, on the stump, and in every nook and corner 
of the land — surpassing in its earnestness and grandeur even the great debates of the Frencli 
Revolution, when the " rights of man " were discussed and declared. Of course, before tiie 
new basis of the future life of the Union was established, there was not and <?ould not be peace 
and harmony between the North and South. This, at least, was tiie opinion of those very 
men who now go back on their own acts by disavowing. as tyrannical and unnecessaiy the 
very means without which no such basis would exist at the present time. If anything is 
absurd, it is this absurdity of accusing and di'faming the executive instruments of their own 
self-divined jilans and purposes, and to curse the children of their own love. If anything is 
unjust, it is the endeavor to take a man to account for official acts which were forced upon 
hiia by Congressional legislation, inasmuch as pohtical ostracism and military rule in the 
South after the war wert- neither pro])oseil nor inaugurated by (Jeneral Grant. II there is 
treachery, it is this indirect ajipeal to the South to revolt against the j)ast jvilicv of the 
Govennn'ent, on which to-day rest the unity, the security, and liberty of the Republic! 

As in 1801, so we are now again on the defensive— not against a tbnnidable enemy in the 
field, but against a coalition which we distru.st, as it is intiuenced by ambition and disap- 
pointment, and tends to the revival of questions which we regarded as settled. Under the 
profession of reconciliation, amnesty, and reform, with nothing to stand upon except nicely 



41 

framed platforms and pronunciamentos, this strange alliance of Guelphs and Gliibellines tries 
to put its double-faced policy into practice. We cannot trust mere professions. We cannot in- 
trust ourselves to a house divided against itself and built on sand. We cannot intrust the most 
saci'ed rights, interests, and liberties of the American people to a coalition whic-* is not based 
on real facts and deeds, and above all suspicion and apprehension, to undo, or change, or 
cripple what was attained by a terrible struggle, and paid for by the best blood of our 
people and milliards of dollars. 

For these reasons, and others of secondary consideration, I cannot be in favor of the 
Cincinnati nominees, but shall stand with you on the side of Grant and Wilson. 

But, while lam in their favor, I liope to see in their election not a mere personal or tem- 
porary triumph. I hope that abuses, where they exist, will be abolished ; perfect harmony 
between the North and South restored by wise measures of conciliation and material sup- 
port ; that civil service reform will be extended and perfected by recognizing the right of 
the whole people, without difference of party, to be represented in the administration of 
offices, and that the soldiers and sailors of the Union will be, as they have always been, the 
most zealous and faithful supporters of our civil government, the Constitution and laws of 
the American Eepublic. 

Very respectfully and truly yours, 

F. SIGEL. 

A GREETING TO PRESIDENT GRANT. 

A delegate now moved that the fifty thousand soldiers here assembled in Convention, 
send a greeting to General Ulysses S. Grant, President, with the assurance that they will 
give him their united support in November. ■ 

The motion was adopted amid thunders of applause. 

A communication was then read from over seven hundred ex-Confederate soldiers, ex- 
pressing their preference for General Grant. 

At the conclusion of the reading by the Secretary, the choir, accompanied by the bancl> 
struck up the grand old battle-hymn of the Eepublic, "John Brown," the whole audience 
rising and joining in the chorus. Wlien silence was secured. General Hartranft was escorted to 
the h'ont of the stage, and, in response to the wildest and most unbounded enthusiam, said: — 

REMARKS OF GENERAL HARTRANFT. 

Comrades — I thank you for this demonstration, not for myself, but for the Republican 
cause. [Cheers.] It is no more credit to me than, when we were fighting in the front, and 
regiment after regiment was going forward, you kept your eye upon the colors. [Cheers.] 
Not upon the man who carried them ; because, when he fell, another took his place. So in 
fills contest keep your eye well on the colors, and we will win this contest as we have ever 
done in the field. [Cheers.] 

The enthusiasm which followed General Hartranft's bi-ief remarks was so unusually 
prolonged that General Hawley, the Chairman, after several endeavors, could only secure 
quiet by the familiar command, "Attention, battalion!" which elicited renewed cheers and 
laughter. When silence was secured, General Hawley said: — 

The Committee on Permanent Organization is ready to report. 

REPORT OF CO:\i:\IITTEE ON PERMANENT ORGACTZATION. 

General Baker, of Minnesota, from the Committee on Permanent Organi- 
zation, then said : — 

" In the absence of our chairman. General Rutherford, I have the honor to report that 
our choice for Permanent Chairman of this Convention is General John A. Logan, of Illinois. 
[Cheers.] 

The action of the committee was unanimously ratified by the Convention rising ami 
cheering loud and long. 

General Stuart L. Woodford, of New York, Captain A. T. Maupin, of Virginia, and 



42 

Private J. T. Purnell, of Pcu.isvlvania, were selected as a committee to escort the President- 
elect to the chair, now vacated by General Hawley. General Logan was received with 
enthusiastic and pi'olonged cheering. He said : — 

SPEECH OF GENERAL LOGAN. 

Fellow Cojirades — I feel very highly complimented indeed, in being chosen to pre- 
side over the deliberations of a body 'of men' composed of veterans who have done so much , 
for their country ;w iias been done oy yourselves, in connection with your associates, in the 
late war. If there is any people in this land who have a right to meet together, consult 
together, and determine 'one with another as to the course they shall pursue in reference to 
p<)]itical mattei-s, it does seem to me that the veteran soldiers of this country are those people. 
You have not met together, my comrades, as has been said by our enemies, for the purjiose 
of exching feelings hi your breast against those in opposition to you politically— not for the 
purpose of making the breach wider and wider between ourselves and our enemies — not for 
tlie purpose of cau'sing the bloody chasm, as it is denominated, to grow widvr and deeper, but 
for tlie purpose of consulting together as to what is best to be done in order to preserve the 
gre;ft ti-uits of your labors, and the labors of the loyal people of this land. [Prolonged 
applause. ] 

Our country was said, prior to the late rebellion, to be free— to be the free home of the 
people of all cli'mes who desire to reside with us. But, until your action produced certain 
results that were produced recently, until that fi-eedom that is now enjoyed by all was 
brought on by a strong arm. it was not a free land. But to-day, thank God, the same right 
that vou have to meet together and decide as to your couise politically, or to take some action 
in ie!iard to the affau-s of this creat nation- that same right belongs to every man, black, 
wlute, or of any complexion, of of any race, whatever it may be, who are or may be dwellhig 
within the con'tines of the United 8ta"tes of America. [Applause. J This country, then, is a 
fi-ee land to all men ; and not only that, my countrymen and fellow-soldiers, but is to-day 
the proudest in every respect. It presents to-day an asjiect of civilization, of refinement, of 
progress, that is jueseuted by no other country in the civilized world. This progress has 
been going on since 13J0. when the power of t'he Democratic party ceased, and the power of 
the Ee|>ublican party commenced— all the progress .«inee that time, and all there is to day 
that gives a brilliancy to the world, and all that which has been done by the people of this 
country— I say all of these things are due to you and your associates, veterans, as the loyal 
people of this country. [Applause.] . ^ 

Our position, then, to-dav. proud as it is, is due to the Republican party. Certainly no 
man in this land, no matter what his political affiliation may be— there is no man, I presume, 
but who is ))i oud of the position we occupy to-day. Our position as to relations with foreigii 
countries, with everv civilized country, with every country in the world, is one to be j^roud of. 
This proud position'has been triven u's by the wise statesmanship and the qualities belonging 
to the men who are at the head of the party known as the Republican party hi this land. 
[Applause.] It is due to the men now holding the most responsible positions in the country. 

I did not ]«>-r\. nor do I now intend, to detain you [cries of "Go on," "Go on J in 
making a po itical sp •eoh of any length, for your work is already accomplished. In calling 
me to the cha., m order to preside over this vast assembly, you only intend me to preside 
over your deliuc...Uwus. I repeat here, your work is done, but your speech-making and 
resolutions will soon follow. 

I desiie to call the attention of the veterans of this country to the condition ot things to- 
dav politically, without denouncing our enemies, which we have no desire to do. ^^ e nave 
a friend at tb'e head of the Republican party— the President of the United States of Ainerira— 
U. S. Grant, as our candidate and our standard-bearer. Associated with him is- Henry Wil- 
son, of Ma-xsachusetts [tremendous applause]— a statesman and an honest man in every 
s#ise of the word. Since the time of General Washington and Andrew Jackson, no men 
have ever been so slan^lered, so violently abused, as have these men— especially General 
Grant. I call your attention to the fact that when Washington was President ot the 
United States, after a severe struggle of seven years, at the head of a little ariuy— alter 
he had given lihe.ty to this land— after the people of this land amireciated him as^ a. 
<ri-eat statesman and civilian, they made him President of the Lnited btates. A ter ae 
hatl been President for nearly four years, and when he ^vas a candidate for re-election, 
P<.me men there were who attick.-d and maligned him in the same manner as men to-day 
Blander our President. Coming down to Andrew Jackson, who was and is one ot tlio 



43 

greatest heroes of this land, when he had been President nearly tour years, and was again 
placed in nomination for re-election by a grateful people, a conspiracy was organized^ iu 
the Senate of the United States for the purpose of destroying his reputation and preventing 
his re-election. They even entered the sacred precincts of the family altar. The people 
of this country listened for a time to these slanders — the most vile and shameless, but 
after a while they said : " We know Jackson. We know that he is an honest man, and know 
that he is capable of holding the high office he now occupies." So it was, my countrymen, 
with Jackson, the old hero. But after these slanders had been hurled at him for a time, the 
, iiLople, at the polls, recognized the work of that purest of men, and said, "Again we will make 
liim President of the United States ; " and his defamers to-day lie cold and silent, and never a 
name of one of them is mentioned. The people will always take the man by the hand who 
is assailed unfairly and dishonestly, as has been the case with the present President of the 
Unit«d States. 

My fellow-soldiers, let me say this, that Grant will be elected President of the United 
States for four years more. [Prolonged applause.] This event vdR certainly occur. 
When he passes away from this earth, when he is lying in the cold and silent tomb, he will 
live not only in the memory of soldiers, but in the history of the United States, in the history 
of the worlcl, and he will be recognized as one of the greatest sages that has ever lived iu 
this land ; and, my fellow-countrymen, when the 5th of November rolls around, and the 
votes are again counted, if you will pass along the by-ways, alleys, streets, and avenues of 
our cities, you wiU find the carcasses of the political huckstei-s of this land. [Applause.] 
Carl Schurz was a soldier -I always call a man a soldier that w-ore the United States 
uniform ; buf, as to the other part, whether he was a good soldier or not, I am not his 
historian, and, therefore, will not judge. I refer his story to Greeley, who gave him a 
character upon which you can inform yourself at your leisure. When I speak of him I 
connect liim with Trumbull, Tipton, and Sumner. I have nothing to say here to depreciate 
the ability of all of these men. 

But I will say this, that they concluded, when Grant was made President of the United 
States, on account of their great learning, that they must control this administration. But 
when they weut to Gen. Grant and said, " This must be done, your cabinet must be so, this 
thing must be done this way," Grant replied, saying, " Gentlemen, I am President of the 
United States." [Applause.] They found that Grant would select his own cabinet, that 
Grant would do his own thinking, that he had commanded armies, and Grant was therefore 
able to attend to the duties of his office too ; that he understood why he was placed m that 
position ; when he desired their council, he would ask it. Because they could not use him, 
they resolved that they would destroy him, and to destroy him they would destroy the 
Republican party. In destroying the Republican party they would destroy, in my judgment, 
the peace of mankind. Inside the Republican party fives and dwells the peace and happiness 
of the people of this land, the hope of freedom, the hope of liberty, of prospeiity, of progress, 
and of everything that makes the country. It was well said by Frederick Douglass, the 
colored orator, that " The Republican party is the old ship ; in it there is life ; outside, all 
is sea and all is death." Now these men conspire against Grant, conspire against the peace, 
and happiness, and prosperity of this country. 

I am sorry that I am compelled to-day to say that some of these men occupy a hmnili- 
ating position. Schurz boasted that he could control the Germans of this country. In 
order to alienate the Germans from the present administration, he contends that there was 
Bomething wTong in the sale of arms to France ; but his statements Avere proven to be untruth- 
ful, and what influence does he now exert among the Germans? Charles Sumner, who is 
from the glorious State of IMassachusetts, thought he could control the colored men of this 
land ; and these two men thought, by controlling these two great peoples, they could control 
the President of the United States. But neither of them have succeeded in getting control 
of either of these respective parties. Sumner did not write to the citizens of the United 
States, but he wrote to the colored citizens of the United States, and to his shame be it said 
— I am sorry that I can say it to-day — he was not able, with all his eloquence and the great 
name that he has had for many years, even to control the veriest boot-black that belonged to 
the colored race. [Applause J It only shows how great men really fail occasionally. He 
went home to the people of Massachusetts, who stand a solid column in favor of Grant, and 
that true, honest man, Henry Wilson, from their own State— not having been led astray by 
Sumner. So far as this mercenary man fi-oni St. Louis, Carl Schurz, is concerned, he never 
uttered a sentiment for Grant unless he was paid for it, and he signally failed to control the 
German voters of this couutiy. He has failed as signally as has Sumner with the colored voters. 



44 

Now, fellow-soldiers of Pennsylvmiia, let me say but one woi-d for you. You have to- 
day as gallant a man before you, as your candidate fur Governor, as ever bore the standard of 
this land. [Deafening applause.] He has been assailed in tlie newspapers and on the 
.stuiuf), for what purpose? For the same purpose that they assailed Gen. Grant and Henry 
Wilson, and almost every leading man in the Kepublican party. By assailing Gen. Hart- 
ranft, they intend to carry the State of Pennsylvania in your October election against the Re- 
[)ublican party, and by carrying it against the Republican party they expect to dampen the 
ardor of Republicanism everywhere, and in that way gain a victory in the November contest. 
It was intended for that, and for no other purpose. I was induced to believe, and I do be- 
lieve to-day, that men claiming to be Republicans, who persistently attack Hartranft, do so 
for the sake of assisting to make Greeley President of the United States. 

Then let me say to you, when you leave this city, where you have received such a hearty 
welcome, where everything possible has been done for you, where the people here show that 
they feel that this meeting is for the good of the country, where they say in every possible 
way they can that their hearts grow gi-eat because of Republican institutions — when you 
go to your homes, go with your hearts full of patriotism, and let it be known that the people 
everywhere are in favor of your candidate in Pennsylvania. Ah ! Pennsylvania has always 
been called the Keystone State. I feel confident that the Republicans will carry this State. 
Then let us hear from old Peinisylvania the same old ringing Reiiublican notes that we have 
ever heard, and we will send back from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and other States, the welcome 
news of Republican triumph. You will hear such a return from us as will make you happy. 
[Applause.] 

Fellow-soldiers, I have said more than I intended to say. [Cries of "Go on."] My fel- 
low-soldiers, I would have gone on merely to mterest you a few hours longer [laughter], 
but I find there is one here that you much more desire to hear than you do rae — a greater 
man and a better man, and one that you and I are working for. As soon as the report on 
Permanent Organization is read, you will have the pleasure of hearing the great statesman 
from the State of jMassachusetts. I thank you for the compliment you have bestowed upon 
me. [Applause.] 

On the conclusion of General Logan's remarks, Senator Wilson was loudly called for. 
The Senator was received with cheer upon cheer, the whole audience rising to their feet- 
Gen. Logan, in introducing him, said : " I have the honor of introducing to you that distin- 
guished Christian statesman, the Hon. Henry Wilson, of Massachusetts, the next Vice-Pres- 
ident of the United States." Senator Wilson spoke as follows : — 

SPEECH OF SEN.VTOR -mLSOX. 
Be assured, gentlemen, that I am glad to look into your faces lo-day, and I am grateful 
to you for your generous welcome. I am glad to see this representative assemblage of brave 
men who saved my country on the battle-field. I know something of the origin of the great 
civil war. I know something of the self-sacrificing patriotism of the men who left_ homes, 
fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, wives, and children, and bared their bosoms against the 
blows of the enemv of the ountry. I know that they were never ins})ired by hate, but by 
love of country and love of liberty ; and history will record the grand fact that the great up- 
rising of the countiy in the spring of I80I was an u})rising of patriots, and not an uprising 
for hate or for vengeance. You loved your country, and your whole country. You loved 
the people of the country, and the people of the whole country; and through those four years 
of blood yon labored on— struggled in victory and defeat alike— insi)ired by lofty jjatriotism, 
and never guided by vengeance ; and to-day we meet here to do something more to perpetu- 
ate what you won on the battle-field, and that, too, for yourcountry, and forthe aggrandizement 
of no set of men on earth. (Gentlemen, it was my privilege during those tour years of Woody 
etrife to act as Chairman of the Military Committee of tne Senate of the Ihiited States, and 
I am proud to sav to-dav that in all 'the legislation of Congress, in all the confirmations 
«f the many thousands tliat came before us, w^e always eiuleavored to do justice to the brave 
men who were fighting for the country, and we never asked the(piestion what their politic il 
sentiments were. I know .somethin'g of tiie self-saciificing men that went to the fiel.!. 
fought, bled, 'and many of them died to save the country : and, gentlemen, while I would 
perpetuate no feeling oV hate— while I would be generous, magnanimous and loving to all ]M.r- 
lions of my country, God willing, I would never forget the seU-sacriiicing patriotism, heroic 
valor, and consecrated devotion of the men who fouglit to save the country. [Applause]. I 



45 

would bmlJ monuments all over the land for those wlio died for their country. [Applause.] 
I would keep the battles on the sacred flags that were laid away. I would, if I had the powoi-, 
write the grand deeds of the defenders of the Union in letters of living light on the broad arches 
of the skies, so that all men, as they look heavenward, might be inspired by their noble 
example. [Applause.] You come here to-day, gentlemen, to encourage your countrymen 
who are striving to carry out in the action of the country what you fought to establish. May 
God prosper and bless you in these efforts, and I am sure your words, your example and 
your courage will inspire our countrymen, and we shall win a glorious victory for the cause 
of the great party to which we belong and which we believe to be the party of patriotism and 
the party of liberty in America. [Loud applause.] Gentlemen, in the dark and troubled 
night of war, when you were struggling in front of rebel legions, when our hosjutals were 
filled with sick, wounded, and dying men, we could take your cause and our cause into our 
closets, and, on our bended knees, invoke God's blessing upon you. Hundreds of thousands 
of your countrymen did it — noble men and noble women did it ; and to-day, gentlemen, we 
are fighting for the same cause; and the same ideas are on our banners to-day, and we can 
ask the support of the good men of our own country, the sympathies of loving men the wide 
world over, and the blessing of Almighty God upon our labor. Gentlemen, I will detain you 
no longer. I thank you a thousand times for this great assemblage here, and I thank you 
for youi- kind reception. God bless you all ! [Applause.] 

THE PERJIANEXT OFFICERS. 
General Allen Rutherford, on behalf of the Committee on Permanent Organization, then 
submitted the following list ol the Vice-Presidents and Secretaries chosen to represent the sev- 
eral States and Territories : — 

Massachusetts — Vice-Presidents, James H. Barnes and Col. C. G. Attvvood ; Secretaries 
Gen. Joseph F. Pickett, Capt. G. S. Merrill. 

Ohio Vice-Presidents, Gen. G. M. Barber and Gen. P. S. Slevin ; Secretaries, Col. W. 
F. Hinman and Capt. M. Blanchard. • 

Nciv Jersey— Vice-Presidents, Col. Wm. Ward and Col. J. Madison Drake ; Secretaries. 
Maj. J. B. Brose. L. C. Rice. 

Wiscorisin— Gen. L. Fairchild, Sergeant P. Stackhouse: Secretaries, Mai. W. H Plun- 
kett, Capt. E. M. Truell. 

Georgia— Ca.])t. C. H. Townsend, Capt. A. B. Clark ; Secretaries, Sergeant George H. 
Stone, Sergeant W. H. Thomas. 

Michigan— May S. E. Graves, Gen. W. A. Throop; Secretaries, A. M. Edwards, Gen. 
F. L. Swift. 

iVew Hampshire— Gen. S. G. Griffin, Gen. W. Harriman ; Secretaries, Gen. H. B. Titus 
Maj. Ed. Vaughan. ' 

Bhode JsZttftci— Vice-Presidents, Gen. Nathan Goff, Capt. T. F. Usher; Secretaries, Sur- 
geon Howard King, Sergeant R. F. Nicoli. 

Connecticut— Col C. L. Upham, Gen. H. W. Wessells ; Secretaries, Adit. C. A Jewell 
Maj. S. J. Corey. ' 

New York— Gen. James Jourdan, Gen. W. S. Hillyer; Secretaries, Sergt.-Maj. S. Wil- 
liams, Col. A. P. Ketchum. 

Pennsylvania— Gen. J. T. Owens, Gen. J. B. Sweitzer; Secretaries, Col. A. M. Jones 
Gen. H. H. Bingham. ' 

Illinois— Gen. J. C. Smith, Col. Owen Stewart ; Secretaries, Capt. T. E. Lonergan and 
Capt. T. E. Sherman. 

Delaioare—lAeni. James Lewis, Lieut. A. Vandever ; Secretaries, Capt. E. C. Shortzen- 
berg and James H. A. Myers. 

Maryland— Ma-i. Geo. T. Cassell, Col. H. Adreon ; Secretaries, J. R. King and Capt. 
R. Gross. 

loioa-Gen. E. W. Rice, Col. G. A. Stewart ; Secretaries, Col. R. M. Littler and Capt 
J. McElroy. 

Virginia-Ma.). E. E. White, Capt. W. A. McNulty; Secretaries, Capt. B. C. Cook 
and Wilham J. Johnston. 

West Virginia— Gen. B. F. Kelley, Gen. T. M. Harris ; Secretaries, Maj. M. B. C. 
Wright and Capt. B. B. Dovener. 

Xorth Carolina— Gen. Allen Rutherford, Sergeant G. D. Watson ; Secretaries, Maj. J 
W. Schenk and Capt. E. M. Shoemaker. 



AG 

Texas— Gon. \Y. T. Clark .and G<ni. Jaincs Davidson ; Secretaries, Capt. J. E. Whittle- 
sey and Capt. T. Finn. 

Minnesota — Gen. J. H. Baker, C. A. Drew. 

Tennessee— Co\. W. F. Prosser, Col. B. Lewis; Secretarie.s, Capt. A. J. Eicks, Col. D. 
"W. Glassie. 

Kent II chj— Gon. A. P. Hall, Gen. S. W. Price; Secretaries, Gen. C. P. Wilcox, Capt. 
J. D. Eaton. 

Missouri— CiA. J. B. Jones, Capt. G. W. Cooper; Secretaries, Col. J. A. Joyce, Capt. 
E. E. Brien. 

Louisiana— C()\. Chas. W. Lowell, Lient. W.H. Webster; Secretaries, Capt. F. Morley, 
Lieut. Oscar A. Eice. 

Mississippi— Gii\^i. J . C. Tucker, Col. A.Warner; Secretaries, Capt. C. AV. Clark, 
Maj. O. C. French. 

Florida— Gen. H. Jenkins, Capt. A. A. Knight ; Secretaries, Capt. E. M. Cheney, Capt. 
D. Eagan. 

Colorado— Col. J. M. Hall, Gen. D. L. Smith ; Secretaries, Col. J. D. Wells and E. W. 
Stanton. 

Montana — Gen. W. F. Scribner, Gen John C. Blane. 

California — Lieut. W. H. Lowrie, Capt. Hartniier; Secretaries, J. Mason Kline, Col. 
Robert M. Lee. 

District of Columbia — Col. Hermann Seligson and A. A. Shisslar ; Secretaries, Geo. J. 
Bond, J. W. .Tordan, II. S. Navy. 

Utah—Gm. G. B. Maxwell, Col. Wra, M. Johns; Secretaries, Capt. T. H. Bates, E. B. 
Zabriskie and Maj. A. K. Smith. 

South Crtro/iwa— Vice-Presidents, Capt. J. L. Little, Lieut. Chas. Sammis; Secretaries, 
Gen. Wm. Gurney, Maj. T. D. Corbin. 

JZrt6«w;— Vice-Pi-esidents, Gen. R. N. Healy, Gen. Geo. H. Patrick; Secretaries, Col. 
C. Cadle, Col. T. Kinsman. 

General James A. Grarfield, appearing upon the stage, was loudly called for, 
and, being introduced by the Chairman, sjjoke as follows : — 

SPKECH OF GEXERAX GARFIELD. 
Fellow-Soldiers — I know I shall speak the sentiments of every man in this andicnc? 
when I say that whatever pride we have in the past, whatever pride "we brought back tiom 
the battle-fields, we joyfully laid that pride and glory upon one aUar, and are all glad to 
merge the title of soldiers in a greater one — that of American citizen. We recognize that as 
the highest title. Fighting or laboring, living or dying, it is as citizens of the Republic ; 
American citizenship is the unit, which, being repeated by the nunibcr of our ])opulation, 
makes the nation and its glory. American citizenship is the grand level from which all our 
heights and depths of political life are measured. For my part, I juvfeired that tliis should 
be our only measure of political questions. It was my hope when the war ended that we 
ziiight meet only socially, to renew the friendships and niemoiies of the past, and that no 
word of political discord should be heard in a soldier gatlieiing. But now, for the first 
time, our right to mingle in the political contests of the day is challenged, if not denied. We 
are here to answer that challenge. We are told that tlie" time of the soldier in politics is 
past, because his presence reminds some < f our fellow-citizens of defeat. We are here to 
respond to this impertinent assumption. We never asked the twenty-two rebel oHicei-s to 
retire who to-day hold seats in the American Congress. They are there in their higher 
rights of American citizenship, anJ no man says them nay for sitting in their places; and 
shall the fifty Union soldiers who are sitting in the Senate and House, retiie because they 
were soldiers '? [Cries of " No ! no! "] A great Senator said, and j)ublished it to the people, 
that a soldier in the Executive Chair is a menace. He says our victories over rebellion 
"should not be inscribed on regimental colors," and that the presence in the Executive Chair 
of our leader in the late war is " a regimental color with a forbidden inscription," and should 
be kept there no longer. We are here to-day to say that if (Jeneral Grant is a banner — he 
is our banner — the banner of the Republic — inscribed with the record of our great national 
victories. They ask us to haul dowu that color, to strike ou/ banner. That bainier we will 
not strike. [Cries of "Never ! never!"] They may ajiply to General Grant all the tests 
jind criticisms of ])olitical life ; but, when the}' strike him because he was a soldier, we will 
rally round liim again and repel the ignoble and unpatriotic assault. They say he must be 



47 

])nt as'idci, as an olistacl? to reconciliation and peace Avith the South. I repel this asa-vricked 
slander, against not only General Grant, but against all who fought under his leadership. 
It is because of these assaults, that here to-day, for the first time in my life, I invoke the 
soldier-associations into the political contest. There is not a grave in -which a soldier sleeps 
in all this redeemed land but will be desecrated by this great slander. There is not a monu- 
ment that points to God anywhere on the soil of the Republic that ought not to be demol- 
ished and ground to the earth, if for such a reason it is time for the soldier to retire. There 
is not a banner upon which your victories are insci'ibed, that ought not to be burned if the 
time has come for the soldier to retire. Thank God, the old banners are here! [Great ap- 
plause.] The voice of battle is in yon. [Applause.] And in your name I answer the 
slander of our defamers, that more noble, magnanimous, and gentle-hearted men never 
lived than the men who fought, bled, and died in defense of the Union during our late 
•war. In the war there were four classes of men. The first were our comrades who shared 
with us the perils and glory of battle. We shall love those living and sacredly cherish the 
memories of those who are dead. Another class were our gallant foes. We fought and 
conquered them, and then treated them with the honors of war. There were two other 
classes ; the deserter from our banner — we shot him ; the spy from the enemy's camp — we 
hanged him. The same classes appear in the pending political struggle. I do not say that 
our political enemies to-day ai'e all deserters and spies ; but I do say that in the mixed 
political army that to-day confronts us, and which has the hardihood to call itself the 
party of reionn, are found all the deserters from our camp, and all the scouts and intriguers 
of our old political enemies. Against these deserters and spies we throw the weight 
of our whole line. [Applause.] I did not come here to speak to you to-day. [Cries of 
" Go on ! "] I cam.e to welcome you, and to join you in declaring once more, that we 
are here to maintain the great principles for which we fought. Remember that after the bat- 
tle of annies comes the battle of histoiy. Whose ideas shall prevail in that new conflict? 
Our war was a mistake, a fearful failure, if we do not also conquer there. Until the ideas 
for which we contended are crystallized into the enduring forms of national life, we are not 
ready to ret'TC. We are not ready to retire until the great principles for which we fought 
ni-e lifted up into the serene firmament of our national heaven, there to blaze for ever and 
ever. [Applause.] 

SPEECH OF GENERAL S. G. GRIFFIN. 

General S. G. Griffin, of New Hampshire, being called for, came forward 
and said : — 

Mr. President and Co^iRADES — I thank you for the honor you have conferred 
upon me, and for the opportunity thus offered me to say a word in favor of the cause which 
has brought us here to-day. 

A great contest is impending, differing, it is true, from that which led us to the field in 
1851, but scarcely less important than that. We are in a great presidential contest, and the 
battle-ground of that contest is to be here in Pennsylvania. Elect our gallant comrade, 
John F. Hartranft, Governor of this State, and the election of General Grant is assured. 
Ijlect Hartranft, and we will give Grant five thousand majority in New Hampshire, and we 
will carry Connecticut, Indiana, and New York in November. 

Defeat Hartranft, and every one of those States is left in doubt, as will also be the elec- 
tion of General Grant. We have rallied here from New Hampshire, from Maine, fi'om 
Wisconsin, from Dakota, from Califoraia, from every one of the thirty-seven States in be- 
half of the cause of the Union, and of right government, as we did in Ic'Gl. 

The great question for us to decide is whether we shall continue in power that party 
which has been on the right side of every question every time and all the time for the last 
fifteen years, and which, by the wisdom of its policy and measures, in spite of the incubus of 
an enoimous debt and all the drawbacks incident to a great civil war so recently waged, 
has given the country a prosperity th.at is unparalleled in the history of nations, or whether 
we will abandon that party and put in its place a party that has been on the wrong side of 
every question every time and all the time for the last ten or fifteen years, and which has 
opposed every one of those great and beneficent measures which have brought the natiou 
up to the proud position it occupies to-day. 

Whether we will stand by that party which carried the Republic so gloriously through 
a. gigantic rebellion, and has given it a career of honor and success and renown among the 
iiations of the earth, and that is still bearing it onward on the grand platform of "freedom 
for all men " and the " rights of citizenship for all men," or whether we will turn our backs 



48 

upon that party and put i!i its place one whose leaders inauprurated and carried on that 
rebellion, and attem})ted to destroy tliis rejmblic — a party Avliose great and leading pi-in- 
ciple has been the support, the extension, and the perpetuation of liuman slavery — a party 
which has acted as the champion ot'shive in opposition to free labor; whether Vi^e will con- 
tinue in power that party which has made for itself the most y;ljrious record ever made by 
any party in any nation undei- heaven, and that is still marching on in that same grandly 
progressive course, or whether we will repudiate that party, and place in jiower a ])arty 
which has been compelled to abandon every one of its principles, every one of its positions, 
every one of its measures, and come over and adopt our principles, our platform, and even to 
enlist the disapjiointed aspirants for place in our party, and adopt them as their leaders. 
Whether we will stand by that party which has made for itself a financial record that 
challenges the admiration of the world, that has reduced taxation, that has paid one-eighth 
(if our whole national war-debt within the last three years, and at the same time lias given 
the country its pi'esent wonderful prosperity, oi' whether we will place in power that party 
which is pledged to pay pensions and bounties to rebel soldiers, pay for the cmaneipated 
slaves, pay the claims of rebels for property destro^'ed during the war, and pay the rebel 
war-debt. 

My comrades, we remember at the close of the war in 186.5, how earnest and how uni- 
versal was the expression of gratitude to the soldiers f(jr the services they liad performed ; 
how frequently we heard the expression that there was " one debt which this nation never 
could repay, and that was the debt of gratitude it owed the soldiers who had preserved the 
Unicm." Tliat was at that time the honest expression of the opinions and feelings of tlie 
patriotic people of the country. 

Has tlie nation so soon forgotten that debt of gratitude? Are we about to turn our 
backs upon that man who, when the nation was plunged into a civil war, volunteered his 
services and pledged his life to the Government; and, when leader after leader had attem)>ted 
the command of our armies and faded, and all looked dark and discout aging, and the army 
and the people were disheartened and demoralized, rose up from obscurity step by step by 
his own merits, without political influence, until he was placed in command of all the armies 
of these United States, and tiy his powerful intellect, his military genius, and his giant 
grasp, crushed out the rebellion and conquered a peace, and inaugurated the proudest career 
for the country ever recorded in history? [Cheers.] Shall we turn our backs uj)on that 
man and put in his place Horace Greeley, whose nomination by the Cincinnati Convention 
Avas received with derisive laughter by the whole nation, who, of all the prominent men of 
this country is the most unstable, the least to be relied upon; who is one thing to-day, 
another thing to-morrow ; who is, perhaps, the most prolific writer in this country in favor 
of protection, and yet accepts the nomination of a free-trade party; who, by his insane cry of 
"On to Richmond," heralded through the country by the New York Tribune, is responsible 
more than any other man for the disaster of Bull Run ; and yet, when General Grant had 
hammered the rebellion out until it was so thin everybody else could see through it, and 
knew that one grip more would crush it like the merest shell, trembled with fear like an 
arrant coward, and was for giving up everything, acknowledging urselves beaten, and 
submitting, like whipped curs, to the dictaticm of the people whom we had ccmquei'ed ? 

Are we going to allow one of the noblest, one of the purest, one of the most successful 
public servants we ever had to be ignonriniously defeated ? [Cries of " Never."] That man 
who conquered and put down the rebellion, who did more than any other man to libfiate 
the freedraen and restore to them their inherent and God-given rights, and who gave us the 
]iroud history of Donelson, and Vicksburg, and Petersburg; and Appomattox — are we 
going to allow him to be defeated by Horace Greeley, that man who has sold himself for a 
mess of potage, who has bartered his soul and all his life-long principles for the nomination 
to the presidency by the Democratic party? Who are the friends of Greelej' ? The old 
rebel element at the South, the opponents of the war at the North, Tammany democrats 
who are desperately anxious to get their hands into the Treasury, soreheads, and ihsap- 
pointed office-seekers. 

And who are the friends of Grant ? The business men of this nation, who desire its 
financial success and prosperity, the loyal and patriotic element throughout the land, those 
noble men and women who, by their labors, their prayers, and their donations, gave such 
powerful moral encouragement to the Government during the dark days of the war, and 
those brave men who tendered their lives to the Republic and won its victories on sea and 
land. 

We unfurl our national flag and place thereon, in these presidential coutests, the names 



49 

of Grant and Wilson. How just and appropriate that we place there, as our candidate, the 
name of him who carried that flag so triumphantly through so many glorious campaigns and 
through so many hard-fought battles, and who, with his sword, has won for it a respect and 
surrounded it with a halo of glory such as had never been seen before. But what lover of 
his country would not blush with shame and indignation to see upon that flag, as a presi- 
dential candidate, the name of Jeflerson Davis? But, gentlemen, when you see upon that 
flag the name of Horace Greeley, you may just as well read it Jeflierson Davis, for it means 
precisely the same thing. 

In response to loud calls, General Stewart L. Woodford, of N«w York, as- 
cended tlie platform and spoke as follows : — 

SPEECH OF GENERAL WOODFORD. 

Mr. Chairman and Comrades — fou were citizens before you became soldiers. You 
volunteered at the call of an imperi-led nation, that you might fulfill the highest duty of 
citizenship — the duty of offering life in defense of fatherland. When the rebellion had been 
suppressed — you were mustered out and resumed the old avocations of peaceful industry. 
You were and are citizens still. You assert no claim to special recognition and honor among 
your fellows because of your army service. You recognize that you only sought to do your 
duty. You do not admit that, because you were soldiers when the nation needed men ready 
to dare, to do, to die, you are, therefore, in these happy days of peace to be denied yom- equal 
share in the councils of the Government, your equal participation in all the privileges as well 
as in all the responsibilities of citizenship. 

You do not gather here to-day in these many thousands to claim any right as soldiers to 
rule the land which as soldiers you saved. But you come as citizens, who, because of your 
sacrifice and service, believe that you value this government aright, to do what you properly 
can to keep the National Administration in wise, patriotic, and honest hands. 

While you come with no boast of the past, you aluo come with no apology for your 
gathering. You feel that your comradeship in battle justifies your taking counsel of each 
other as to your duties in peace. 

We have met to say frankly and directly to our comrades, and all the people, that we 
are still grateful to the Kepublicaii pai-ty for all its grand record and work. 

It ahvays, alike in victory and defeat, believed in the cause for which we fought. When 
battle and disease thinned our ranks, it always sought to send fresh men to the fi-ont. Wlien 
the Democratic pai'ty, in that sad summer of 1864, gathered in convention, pronounced the 
prosecution of the war a failure, and counseled surrender, the Republican party pledged the 
Government to draft the last man and expend the last dollar in crushing rebellion and main- 
taining the national unity. With gi'and amen the nation responded to such pledge and ap- 
peal. Kneeling among the graves of our fallen soldiers, the people renewed the vow of Smn- 
ter. In that faith we conquered. Aye, we are grateful to the Republican party for its 
trust and resolution, for the sincere honors which it always paid to our fallen, for its earnest 
efibrt to care for our disabled comrades living, and the widows and orphans of our comrades 
dead. 

But, while we thus come with gratitude to the Republican party, we come with no spirit 
of hate toward our late antagonists in battle. We revive no memory of bitterness. We 
pluck no embers of strife from out the ashes of the past. 

We respect the sincerity of the men who were our foes in open conflict, but who are 
now our fellows in citiaenship and in the duty of a common loyalty to a common country, 
as ordy those can respect them who tested their endurance and valor on many fields. 

We have even forgiven them for Andersonville and Libby, for we believed that the 
horrors of these prison-pens sprang fi-om the terrible teachings and influences of slavery. We 
charged the crime upon slavery, and have never kept those agonies as subjects of revengeful 
memory against the men of the South and soldiers of the rebellion. We destroyed slavery, 
and then forgave Andersonville. 

We should never have thus ourselves referred to the merciful and generous record of 
the Union Army, had not the constant attacks and misrepresentations of a partisan press 
rendered some brief words timely and just. Let history, not mere profession, bear witness. 

Lee surrendered his army. The terms of that surrender were as generous and humaiie 
as any recorded in the auuals of civilized warfare. Grant allowed each officer to keep his 

4 



50 

sword, that none might feel personal dishonor. Eucli man was permitted to retain his horse, 
that he might return to his home, plow his tiekls, and make crops for the support of his fam- 
ily. Supplies were issued to the beaten toe. You are silently recalling how, as by instinct, 
you opened your hayersacks on the Sabbath morn of that surrender, and shared your scanty 
rations with the men whom you had fought for four long, bloody years. You recall how, 
when Andr(!W Johnson, in the first frenzy of his passion, sought to break the terms of Grant's 
parole, to ainest Lee and place him on tnal, our chieftain replied that, so long as the Confed- 
erate soldiers obeyed the law and kept the peace, the parole at Appomattox should protect 
them, and tendered his resignation a*s General if good faith Ayas to he yiolated. 

The war beins ended we sought peace. We prayed for reconciliation. We reached out 
1 lands of hearty fellowship to alt who would accept such fellowship on the basis of sincere 
submission to the law and unconditional loyalty. From that hour until now, we haye never 
counseled or consented to any injustice or reyenge towards the South. We forgave our 
foe. Good faith and simple manliood required us to secure an absolute protection to all 
who had been our friends and allies at the South during the struggle. Good faith and simple 
manhood required us to give this protection ourselves, if the men of the South did not grant it 
themselves. 1 1 ^ 

This is the whole spirit of the Constitutional amendments. Mercy could grant no more 
tlian absolute forgiveness to our foe. Honor could consent to no less than absolute protec- 
tion to the loyal white and the enfranchised black. 

We desire entire and permanent reconciliation to-day. In war we fought_ to preserve 
oar national unity, and thus to obtain enduring peace. In peace we heartily strive to secure 
complete reconciliation. That reconciliation will be most thorough and lasting which shall 
be based upon impartial laws impartially enforced. Thus it wiU be strengthened by justice 

"Wlien none shall seek to coerce the votes of the lowly ; when education shall he afforded 
to all the children of the land, black as well as white; when the true chgnity of labor shall 
be recoo-nized ; when, m a word, not merely the letter, but the practical administration of the 
law shall secure the personal and political rights of all our citizens, throughout all the States, 
reconciliation vnW be complete. For these ends let us patiently labor, in the sure faith, that 
we labor not in vain. We have met to say frankly and directly to our comrades, and to all 
the people that we believe that the continued ascendency of the Kepubhcan party, m the 
council-halls of the nation, and in the administration of the Government, is still essential to 
the full security of the results of the war; still essential to the protection of the loyal_ whites 
and the enfranchised blacks of the South; still essential to the certain payment of their justly 
deserved pensions to our disabled living comrades and to the widows and orphans of our 
dead • still essential to the maintenance of our financial cretUt and (Uir financial welfare ; still 
essential to the true being of the laboring classes and to the sure maintenance of that honora- 
ble peace with all nations, so necessarv to repair the losses of war, to develop our great 
and varied material resources, and to solidify that development into permanent prosperity. 

We have met to say frankly and directly to our commands and to all the people that 
we thoroughly believe in Ulysses S. Grant as President, just as we believe in him as soldier 
That as we knew hiin to be brave in battle, we now know him to be faithful in peace. Ihat 
as we then knew him to be wise in plan, skillful in strategy, and sure in execution we now 
know him to l>e practical in statesmansliip, merciful in policy, honest in administration, and 
uitlexible in the enforcement of the law. [Loud and prolonged applause.] 

One unbroken hue of victories, from Belmont to Appomattox, the crushed rebellion and 
the surrendered Confederacy, placed his name forever among the few great captains of his- 
tory, and justified all our faith in Ulysses S. Grant as a soldier. 

The steady collection of the revenue ; the steady reduction of taxation ; the steady dimi- 
nution of the national debt ; the steady decline in the price of gold ; the steady increase in 
the value of our paper currency and of our national bonds; the steady enforcement of the 
laws; the repression of the Kn-Klux disorders, and the steady growth of confidence and of 
a substantial prosperity throughout the South ; the earnest and humane attempt to dea kindly 
and justly with the In'dian tribes ; the manly submission of pei-sonal judgment arid will to the 
iudo-nient and will of the people, so grandly shown in his cheerful surrender of the San D<y- 
niim^o scheme ; the resolute and heroic purpose to place before the nations an example of 
settling their quarrels by peaceful arbitration rather than by the sword, so faithfully carried 
out in'ihe Alabama negotiations, and now so happily crowned wth success among the hills 
of Switzerland : all these form an unbroken Ime of peaceful victories, which place the name 



51 

of Ulysses S. Grant forever amonp the few great statesmen of the age, which justify the love 
of his old comrades, and deserve the gratitude of the nation. 

Such in direct words, are the reasons why we have gathered from almost every btate in 
the land. ' May the old s)iirit of hearty comradeship, which bound us so closely together m 
other davs, still be and abide with us. , • . u i 

As we take each others" hands and look in each others' faces, old memories come back — 
memories of the living and the dead. With these let us recall rhe high resolve, the pure pur- 
pose, which consecra'ted our enlistment. Let us also recall the generofts forgiveness and 
heartv fi-aternity which filled all hearts when the strife was ended. 

thus shall we take counsel together as patriots rather than partisans. Thus shall we 
seek success, not for self or section, but for the good of all our common country and the 
highest welfare of all our fellow-citizens. 

Gov. Edward F. Noyes, of Ohio, was loudly called. On coming forward lie 
said : — 

ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR NOYES. 

Fellow-Soldiers— We are under contract to leave this building to-night at five 
o'clock, and I find it is five minutes past five now. Comrades, we are here to express 
together our continued confidence in the integrity, in the capacity, and in the patriotism ot 
our great captain. We have come here to enter our solemn protest aganist the slande,rs 
which have been heaped upon his name. We are here also to express our confidence m tliat 
grand old jiarty which supported the soldiers while they were fighting the battles ot the 
nation. Once more, my friends, as we remember the four years of our bloody war ; the halt- 
niillion of our comrades who sleep the sleep that knows no waking; as we remember tlie 
half-milUon of cripples that go up and down the land suffering all the twinges of pain that 
weather-changes bring soldiers ; when we remember how the black crape was liung on your 
doors ; as we remember how vou were called upon to leave your homes and make great 
sacrifices for us while you were fighting for our country, we are not disposed to forget hi in 
who led us to \'ictory when all others had failed, and saved an imperiled country. We have 
met to get inspiration from each other. W^e go as missionaries among the people, to call to 
their minds the great deeds of our leader. We rely upon the justice ot our cause. \V e have 
faith in that God who protected us during the stormy years of war. We go forth in 
faith that we shall be successful. May God prosper the right ! [Applause.] 

The hour for adjournment having pa-ssed. General Logan announced that the Conven- 
tion would reassemble promptly at 10 o'clock^ next day— Wednesday— and that the first 
business in order would be the reception of thd»Eeport of the Committee on Kesolutioqs. 
The proceedings of the day were concluded by singing the long-measure doxology, " Praise 
God from whom all blessings flow," to the tune of "Old Hundred," the audience, all stand- 
ing, joining in the singing of this grand and impressive benediction. 

SECOND day's proceedings. 

Wednesday, September 18, 1872. 
At 10 o'clock, Chairman Logan called the convention to order. Kev. John S. Sands, ot 
Pittsburg, offered the following prayer: — 

OPENING PRAYER. 

O, Thou great God of all nations, Thou great God of this nation, we come before Thee 
this morning, invok inc Thy presence and Thy blessing. We thank Thee for this country of 
ours, with its broad acres, whh its teeming population, with its good and wise government; 
we thank Thee, O God, tor its brave defenders, who, in the hour of their country's danger, 
were filled with a spiiit of patriotism, and who went forth against their enemies and imper- 
illed their lives in its defense ; we thank Thee that Thou hast pennitted so many of them to 
meet together on this occasion ; we thank Thee that Thou hast blessed them in their deliber- 
ations during the fomier sessions of this Convention, and we pray Thee that Thou wilt bless 
them this morning and through this day. 

We thank Thee, O God, for all Thy blessings ; we thank Thee for the peace, order, and 
quiet of our city. Help us while we do"^ honor to those who in their country's hour of dan- 



52 

fifr foiiglit for their ooiiiitry's flag; and, while we drop a tear in romemhrance of those who 
laid their lives doAvn for tli^-ir country's salvation and defense, oh, help us to remember that 
great sacrifice once made in which the Son of God himself laid down his life for us all. 

Bless. O God, the officers of this convention ; bless the soldiers and sailors liere assem- 
bled; bless the President of the United States and all his advisers; and bless all our citizens, 
God of our refuge and our strength, lift us higher and higher as a nation, till Thy glory 
shines upon us. Grant us our prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

In the interval which followed the prayer, Nevin & Dean's band, from Cliicago, played 
a medley which was loudly applauded, and the Welsh Glee Club, of Pittsburg, sang severa* 
songs with fine effect. The Marine Band, of Washington City, played several selection 
ii-om operas, by request. The Committee on Resolutions not being ready to report, the band 
of the Forty-seventh New York Eegiment played "Our Nation's Song," which was loudly 
;ip})laudel. 

General Joseph C. Abbott, of North Carolina, from the Committee of Res- 
olutions, said : — 

REMARKS OF GENERAL ABBOTT. 

Tlie Committee on Resolutions have instructed me to present the resolutions which I 
hold in my hand, as a declaration of principles to be submitted to the Convention. I wiU 
ask the Secretary of the Convention to read them. 

The resolutions were read by the Secretary, and are as follows : — 

RESOLUTIONS OF THE CONVEXTION. 

We the soldiers and sailors who served in the Union Army and Navy during the late 
war, in mass convention in Pittsburg assembled, for the pul^)Ose of expressing our firm con- 
victions upon issues which ai-e logical results of the war, do nfih-m : — 

1. That it is a source of unuiingied pleasure to meet ngain, and, revivmg the men^.ones 
of our campaign for union and liberty, thence to draw lessons, for present duty and future 

^^ ' 2 We reaffirm our devotion to the union of the States ; the arbitrament of war has 
decreed that we are one nation, with one flag, with liberty and equality before the law for all 
ipen ; and ijational authority is essential to^*tablish, protect, and defend liberty and the ina- 
lienable rights of the people. „ . , , ^ ., » j xt 

3 We enter our solemn protest against transferring the control of the Army and Navy, 
the Treasury and the entire Government, and the Constitutional Amendments, with the exe- 
cution of the laws themselves, to an unholy and corrupt coalition composed chieHy of elements 
but recently in oi)en hostility to them all. ^ ., c. .i. .u 

4 We cheiish no sj^irit of revenge toward our fellow-citizenB of the bouth ; the magna- 
nimity of our late Commander-in-Chief on the field of Appomattox was a sufficient pledge of 
the Union Amiv that the "bloody chasm" of the war was closed ; and "with m.ahce toward 
none, but with charitv for all," we extend the right hand of fellowship t<) all those wlm 
accept in good faith, the results of the war, and who will extend to every American citizen, 
of whatever race or color, the rights which are solemnly guaranteed by the Constitution of the 
United States and the laws made in pursuance thereof. . , ^ , . ca 

5 Reposing implicit confidence in the patriotism and gratitude of the nation, we confide^ 
to it everv interest of the Union soldier ; and we here express our most cordial apprmation ot 
the unparalleled generosity of the people, as exiiressed through Congress in the laws provid- 
ing pensions and bounties, and we fully believe that any inetpialities which may appeal will 
be checi-fiilly and iiromptlv corrected. . , . .^ * • .• 

6 We gladl v ami proudly reaffirm our enthusiastic confidence in theintegnty, patriotism, 
an<l ability of President Grant. We point to his messages for opinions and recominendations 
iM harmony with the most advanced jiolitical sentiments. We j)oint to the condition of tlie 
country in all its relations, foreign and domestic, for the proof that its laws are well adminis- 
tered and its honor maintained. We rejoice to see associated with him the incorruptible atut 
indefatigable patriot and representative man of American institutions, Hemy Wilson, ol 
Massachusetts 



53 



7. We pledge our steady and earnest support to President Grant and Congi'ess in refomi- 
ing tlie civil service and establishing the highest standard of honor and fidelity among all the 
servants of the Government. 

8. Although this Convention is purely national in its inception and purposes, we cannot 
refrain from expressing our sympathy and giving our cordial support to our gallant comrade 
leading the column in Pennsylvania, whose illustrious record as a brave and faithful soldier 
should endear him to every loyal heart. 

THANKS OF THE CONVENTION TO PITTSBTJKG. 

General Burnside said : — 

Lest we might separate in haste, I rise to make the motion that we, as soldiers and sail- 
ors, thank the loyal and good people of Pittsburg for their kind treatment to us during our 
stay in their city, and that the thanks of this Convention be given to the Veterans' Resident 
Committee, who have in reality done all the work of giving us the grand reception which 
we have received. 

The motion of General Bum side was adopted, the Convention rising en mas^e 
and cheering in response to liis suggestion. A motion was then made for the 
Convention to adjourn sine die. Pending the adoption of this motion, General 
Logan, the Chairman, said : — 

• REMARKS OF GENERAL, LOGAN. 

Comrades — One word before we return to our homes. When our enemies tell us to 
be reconciled to those who fought against the Government, let us tell them that there is no 
reconciliation required on our pai-t. We are reconciled to our country, to its honor and 
glory, to its Constitution, and to the old banner of our fathers ; and when those men who 
draw their blades against this Government become themselves reconciled to the old banner, 
we will be reconciled to them. [Applause.] It is on their part, and not on ours. Let us 
go to our homes in cities, towns, hamlets, and villages, determined to carry the fruits of our 
great victories with us. Let not these, like Dead Sea fruit, be turned to ashes on our lijjs. 
Let each man, when he goes to his home, insist on all his friends voting the whole liepub- 
lican ticket. A grand Kepublican triumph is what we want, and what we must have,^to 
secure peace, happiness, and prosperity in this land. [Applause.] 

At the suggestion of General Hawley, three rousing cheers were given for Grant and 
Wilson, after which the members of the Convention separated, most of them to attend the 
grand mass meeting at Friendship Grove, where General B. F. Butler, of Massachusetts, 
delivered one of the best speeches of the campaign. To the disappointment of the National 
Committee no report of this speech was taken ; and po synopsis can do adequate justice to 
his masterly effort on this (fccasion. Probably no audience so large has been assembled dur- 
ing this campaign, and a lasting impression was made upon the thousands gathered there 
by his unanswerable arguments. 

VETERANS' NAITONAL COMMITTEE. 

The following are the names of the Veterans' National Committeo, appointed 
by the Convention : — 



Gen. A. E. Burnside, Chairman. 
Gen. Joseph R. Hawley, Vice-Chairman. 
Col. L. E. Dudley, Secretary. 
Arkansas — Gen. Powell Clayton. 
Alabama — Major R. M. Revnolds. 
California — Col. W. E. McArthur. 
Connecticut — Gen. J. R. Hawley. 
Delaware— Lieut. John M. Dunn. 
Florida — Gen. Charles M. Hamilton. 
Georgia — Sergt. William H. Thomas. 
Indiana — Gen. Nathan Kimball. 
Illinois — Gen. Julius White. 
Iowa — Capt. J. K. Hammond, 



Kansas — Major J. C. Wilkinshaw. 
Kentucky — Capt. P. S. Reeves. 
Louisiana — Lieut. W. H. Webster. 
Maine — Gen. Selden Conner. 
Massachusetts— Gen. Horace Binney Sargent. 
Michigan — Major E. B. Wright. 
Minnesota — Gen. J. H. Baker. 
Missouri — Gen. John S. Cavender. 
Mississippi — Capt. H. R. Pease. 
Maryland— Major W. L. Vanderlip. 
New Hampshire — Gen. S. G. Griffin. 
New York-Col. L. E. Dudley. 
Nevada — ^No one named. 



5t 



Xew Jei-se}^— Col. F. II. HarviS. 
Nebraska — Gen. Jolin il. Thayer. 
North Oiiroliiia — Oen. Allen iiutherford. 
Ohio — Gen. James B. Barnett. 
Oretron — No one named. 
Pennsylvania — Gen. A. L. Pearson. 
Khode Island — Gen. Chas. R. Brayton. 
South Carolina — 
Tennessee — Gen. R. F. Patterson. 
Texas — Major Thomas Smith. 
Vermont — 



Virginia — Co'. S. E. Chamberlain. 

West Virginia — Capt. Jolni Carlin. 

Wisconsin — Col. Tliomas Reynolds. 

Arizona — Col. Drake De Kay. 

Colorado — Gen. Ed. S. iMcCook. 

pakota — Gen. Edwin McCook. 

Montana — Col. L. B. Church. 

New l^Iexico — Col. William Breeden. 

Washington — 

District of Columbia — Gen. N. P. Chipman. 

At Large — Gen. A. E. Burnside. 



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

At a meeting of the Committee, held at Pittshiirg, the chairman was di- 
rected to anuouuce an Executive Committee, of which the officers of the Gen- 
eral Committee should be ex-officio members and officers. In accordance with 
that resolution, the chauman has announced the following named veterans as 
said committee : — 

Gen. Horace Binney Sargent, Massachusetts. Gen. Allen Rutherford, North Carolina. 
Gen. J. H. Baker, Minnesota. Col. Drake De Kay, Ai'izona. 

Col. F, H, Harris. New Jersey. » 



K 



OUR 



SOLDIERS km SAILORS : 



WHAT THEY SAID AND DID 

ON THE 

TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF 

ANTIETAM, 



AT 



PITTSBUKa, P^ENIsr^., 



SEPTEMBEE 17th AND 18th, 1872. 



Reported by SAMUEL W. CUEEIDEN, Stenographer. 




NEW YORK: 

FOR SALE BY AMERICAN NEWS COMPANY, NASSAU ST. 

1872. 



"SVynkoop & Hallenbeck, Printers, 113 Fulton Street, N. Y. 



PITKIN & CO., 



WHOLESALE DEALERS IX 



NO. 71 NORTH SECOND SIREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA., 



NO. 110 CHAMBERS STREET, NEW YORK. 




M 



a. 







The above cuts represents the ditfereut styles. Fifrure A is the Regulation Dark Blue Blouse and 
Cap of the Army. Figure B the Itoi,'ulation Blouse and Grant Army Hat. The great demand for these 
Uniforms in 1868 caused us to anticipate a similar demand this season, and we have secured from the 
Government sales a lartce stock during the past year. These goods are all fresh and sound — not con- 
demned—but sold as stiitPLUS STOCK. The advantage in buying the blouse is, that when the campaign 
is over, by a change of four military buttons, every man will have a xeat sack-coat wouth twice its 

COST FOIt GEXEUAL USE. 

This uniform is being generally adopted by the Veteran Republican and Grant and WUson Clubs, 
and has the approval of the National, State, and Local Committees— it being neat in appearaiit^p 
national in character, and low in price. 



WHOLESALE PRICE LIST. 

I-ER 100 SUIT8. 

A— Dark Blue Regulation, Unlined Blouse and Cap, assorted sizes $140 00 

B — Dark Blue Regulation, Unlined Blouse and Grant Uat, " 17.") 0(1 

Unlined Blouses, per 100 " 125 00 

Lined Blou8e8,'82.'5'per hundred'extra. 

PER 100. 

Hat Goods, Yellow, Scarlet, or Blue 115 00 

Campaign Torches, with Staflf and "Wick 28 00 

Torches, without Staff or Wick 24 00 

Wicks 1 .50 

Fancy Paper Bucket and Bull Lautorns, S4 to Sl> per hundred, and upwards. 
Sample suit-uniforms sent to any address, on receipt of ^2. 

Give pi.aix post-oifke .mupkkss axi> shippixg hikectioxs, with name of State. 
SKND ORDKKS E.VIJLV. so ihnt they can be filled promptlv. No goods sent unless order is 
accompanied bv draft, nr tlic lust titv ntViencos. TERMS NET ('ASIT. 

We refer to" .J AY COOKE \ CO.." Philadelphia: U. P. S( ' II Kl'KY', Cashier Corn Exchange National 
Bank. Philadelphia; J. L. WORTH, Cashier Park Bank, New York. 

PITKIN 6o CO. 



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